Hiring in the US construction industry has slowed to the lowest level ever recorded, according to trade body Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).
The AGC analysed data from the US Bureau of Labour Statistics that showed a 27% fall in positions vacant. There were 248,000 job openings on the 31 March, which is 90,000 fewer than March 2024.
It also noted that 302,000 jobs were filled in March, the lowest rate ever recorded in the sector.
The ABC’s Construction Confidence Index survey found that most contractors predict they will increase workforce levels in the next six months. However, the ABC says the effects of the Trump administration’s tariffs and the unpredictable economic climate may interfere with their plans.
Anirban Basu, ABC’s chief economist, said: “Construction job openings continued to trend lower in March, a clear sign of slowing industrywide demand for labour.
“With quitting and layoff activity also subdued for the month, construction labour force churn is virtually nonexistent at the moment.”
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