Statewide construction employment falls

Another 8.500 Florida construction jobs evaporated in December, according to the latest numbers from the Associated General Contractors of America, making the state the third-worst construction employment market in the country in terms of jobs lost in 2010. Overall, the state lost 20,200 construction jobs between December 2009 and December 2010. California and Texas were the only states to beat that figure, with 32,900 and 32,300 jobs gone, respectively. Most contractors said they fear the industry will shrink further in 2011, particularly in response to declines in office sector construction. “Despite slight improvements in the construction employment picture, the industry is coping with weak demand, declining stimulus activity and a growing political aversion to investing in aging infrastructure,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the AGCA. [SFBJ]

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