Significantly fewer construction firms are planning to make layoffs in 2012 than at any point in the past few years according to survey results released today by AGC and Computer Guidance Corporation. 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.

Five years after states first started shedding construction jobs, construction employment remains below peak levels in all fifty states and the District of Columbia according to a new analysis released today by AGC. Given the continued weakness in construction employment, AGC is launching a new effort to encourage Congress to pass years-late legislation to fund highway, bridge and transit construction work.

The amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials edged down 0.2 percent in December but climbed 5.3 percent from a year earlier, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released today by AGC. Meanwhile, the amount contractors charge to construct projects remained largely flat for the month and is up only between 3.3 and 4.7 percent for the year, cutting into contractor earnings and adding to the challenges the hard-hit industry is facing, AGC officials said.

Construction employment increased in December by 17,000 driven by gains in nonresidential construction employment, according to an analysis of new federal employment data released today by AGC.

Construction spending totaled $807 billion in November 2011, the highest level since June 2010, as homebuilding, private nonresidential construction and public construction all increased compared to October, AGC reported today in an analysis of new Census Bureau data.

Construction employment declined in 146 out of 337 metropolitan areas between November 2010 and November 2011, increased in 131 and stayed level in 60, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by AGC.

Construction employment rose in only 19 states and the District of Columbia in November, a weaker showing than in recent months, according to an analysis of Labor Department data by AGC .  In contrast, 25 states plus D.C. added jobs on a year-over-year basis, while 24 states shed construction jobs.

The amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials edged down 0.1 percent in November but climbed 6.2 percent from a year earlier, outstripping the increase in contractors’ bid prices for finished buildings, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released today by AGC. Officials with the construction association warned that the cost squeeze on contractors, combined with declining public sector investments in construction, may drive many contractors out of business.

Construction employment declined in 146 out of 337 metropolitan areas between October 2010 and October 2011, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by AGC. 

Construction employment shrank for the second straight month in November as residential, nonresidential building and heavy construction segments remained in low gear, according to an analysis of new federal employment data released today by AGC.  Association officials said the employment drop reflects continued declines in public sector investments.  They added that construction employment could benefit from increased transportation investments and other pro-growth measures designed to boost private sector demand.