R.I. construction employment declines 14% Y/Y in April, third slowest in N.E.

PROVIDENCE – Construction employment in Rhode Island in April declined 13.9% year over year, the third-slowest rate in New England, according to the Associated General Contractors of America Friday.

Construction employment in the state dropped by 2,800 jobs over the year to 17,400.

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Vermont had the sharpest drop in the nation in construction employment in that time, falling 48.7% to 7,900 jobs. South Dakota had the largest construction-employment increase in the United States, rising 9.6% year over year to 25,200 jobs.

“Today’s state employment report shows how widespread – and deep – the job losses have been among construction workers, despite a smattering of new or accelerated projects,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, in a statement. “Meanwhile, our latest survey indicates that the paycheck loan program has enabled some companies to retain or add workers for now, but that relief will expire soon if not extended.”

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Construction employment in the remaining New England states in April:

  • Massachusetts construction employment declined 37.4% year over year to 101,800 jobs.
  • Connecticut construction employment declined 18.3% year over year to 49,600 jobs.
  • New Hampshire construction employment declined 5.1% year over year to 26,100 jobs.
  • Maine construction employment declined 4.7% year over year to 28,100 jobs.