Construction’s unemployment rate fell in June to 4.6%, the lowest mark since October 2006, but the industry gained no jobs during the month, the Labor Dept. has reported.
Construction economists say the lack of jobs growth may reflect a shortage of qualified workers and the departure of construction workers for jobs in other industries.
The Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics said on July 8 that construction’s June jobless rate declined from May’s 5.2% and also dropped from the year-earlier 6.3%.
The unemployment rates aren’t adjusted for seasonal differences.
But the negative note in the BLS monthly report was that construction’s total workforce showed zero gains in June.
The jobs picture was mixed among industry segments. Specialty trade contractors recorded an increase of 8,400 jobs in June, according to preliminary BLS figures. But buildings construction lost 3,700 positions and heavy-civil construction shed 3,900.
Architectural and engineering services, a separate BLS industry category, added 2,400 jobs during the month.