Categories: Chicago

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.

Jackson Sorbo

Managing editor of the Chicago Morning Star

Recent Posts

Senate Democrats mock Biden for selling weapons to Israel

Some of President Biden's strongest Senate allies are calling on Israelis to end months of fierce fighting and criticizing the…

11 months ago

The biggest cities in Ukraine are struck by Russian missiles, leaving at least 4 dead and over 100 injured

Ukraine's KYIV — At least four people were killed and nearly 100 injured when Russian hypersonic ballistic missiles attacked Ukraine's…

11 months ago

Good News That’s Much Needed for Biden

The economy is making Americans feel a little more upbeat, especially when it comes to jobs and incomes, which could…

12 months ago

College Ventilation System Reveals Missing Man

The discovery of a decaying body inside a college ventilation system marked the tragic and unexplained end to a missing…

12 months ago

Following three Palestinian shots, a Vermont man was arrested

Following the shooting deaths of three 20-year-old Palestinian-American students in Vermont, authorities have detained a man. According to a news…

12 months ago

China is told to cease “COVID deception” due to the pneumonia outbreak by the US envoy

The United States ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, urged Chinese authorities "to abandon COVID deception" and demanded that China be…

12 months ago

This website uses cookies.