Unemployment in the construction industry fell in June to the lowest level since 2001, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. That’s because contractors are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to meet growing demand, association officials said.
“Expanding job opportunities throughout the economy make it increasingly difficult for contractors to find experienced construction workers,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “This scarcity shows up in record workweeks for craft workers and flattening of employment totals despite higher construction spending.”