As construction's winter slowdown began, the industry's unemployment rate worsened in December to 16% from 13.1 % in November. However, the industry did add 17,000 jobs last month, and its December rate was much improved" over December 2011 's rate, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. On average, construction industry unemployment was 16.4% in 2011, down from a peak of 20.6% for 2010 and 19.05% for 2009. The report shows non-residential specialty-trades gaining 20,200 jobs in December. Architectural and engineering services, viewed as a leading indicator for construction, posted a tiny increase of 500 jobs last month.
展开▼
