Alisa Zevin

Layoffs reached lowest number in April since 2022, with labor availability "unlikely to improve in the short term," said ABC economist. 

Residential, public work account for much of the increase. 

Prices for energy, steel lead increases overall, threatening the stability of contractors' project pipelines. 

Data centers continue to account for much of the backlog for large contractors. 

Despite a small increase in hiring, the job market for construction workers remains "subdued," says ABC chief economist Anirban Basu.

Despite soaring prices, construction backlog grew in March. 

Uncertainty continues as job openings fall, material prices rise.

The slowdown in hiring is expected to continue in the near future, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis.

Steel and cement prices saw substantial increases.