Job prospects best in construction, 7 other sectors

South Florida construction companies may hire more workers from October through December, according to a survey by staffing company Manpower.

The survey shows fourth-quarter job prospects in South Florida appear best in construction and seven other sectors of the economy: education and health services, financial activities, leisure and hospitality, nondurable goods manufacturing, professional and business services, and wholesale and retail trade.

The hiring outlook remains unchanged in four other sectors of the economy: durable goods manufacturing, government, information, and “other services,” which range from machinery repair and dry-cleaning to pet care.

Manpower said its quarterly survey of all industries in South Florida found that  “local employers anticipate a stronger hiring pace compared to the third quarter.”

Manpower reported that 28 percent of South Florida employers in all industries expect to increase employment in the fourth quarter of the year while 9 percent plan employment reductions.

Data compiled by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that construction employment in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties has surged since slumping to 83,500 in March 2012 the lowest level in the last 10 years.

The number of construction workers in South Florida hit a peak of 107,500 in November 2014 and has leveled off since. The estimated number in July was 106,900, according to the BLS.  — Mike Seemuth