Illinois sees construction employment decline

In March, construction employment has declined in 20 states and D.C. The figures have aligned with the results of Associated General Contractors of America’s survey. The survey has found growing layoffs amid new project cancellations and state funding constraints. Association officials have warned that the cancellations will mean massive job losses.

The officials requested Congress to help cover the rapidly declining state revenues, adds funding for Paycheck Protection Program loans and takes other measures to maintain the industry recover. Between February and March, construction jobs in Illinois declined by 1100, about a 1 per cent increase to 225,000. The overall decline from the same period last year is slightly higher — a job loss of 2,000.

There is no doubt that in April we will see job loss numbers to be higher as the full effects of the COVID-19 pandemic take hold. Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, said, “While construction employment declined in many parts of the country last month, far more states, local governments and project owners have halted construction in the five weeks since the government collected this data.”

Simonson added, “Our two latest surveys show a steep rise in cancellations of scheduled projects, which is leading to furloughs and terminations for both jobsite and office workers.” Construction employment decreased in 20 states and the District of Columbia from February to March, according to association released an analysis of new government data.

The analysis showed increased employment in 24 states and steady in six states. Rapid deterioration is seen in the figures, in a previously vibrant job market for construction. Construction employment declined in only seven states, and D.C. held steady in two states and increased in 41 states over the course of 12 months ending in March.