Significantly fewer construction firms are planning to layoff employees in 2012 than at any point in the past few years—including AGC-member firms in both Utah and Colorado (see sidebar at the end of this story)—according to survey results recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America and Computer Guidance Corp. The survey, conducted as part of the 2012 Construction Industry Hiring and Business Outlook, shows many firms expect key private-sector market segments to expand this year even as the overall outlook remains mixed.
“While there are some promising signs, especially when it comes to construction employment, the outlook for the industry is mixed,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. “More than four years after demand for commercial construction began to plummet, economic conditions remain difficult.”