Construction industry loses 13,000 jobs between January and February 

A recent analysis of federal employment data shows that the construction industry lost 13,000 jobs between January and February, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said short-term factors such as weather contributed to the monthly loss even as longer-term trends are becoming a bit more positive. The construction unemployment rate fell slightly in February from 17.7 percent to 17.1 percent, and is double the national unemployment rate. However, total construction employment now stands 1.2 percent higher than in February 2011 when the unemployment rate was 21.8 percent.

A recent analysis of federal employment data shows that the construction industry lost 13,000 jobs between January and February, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.

Association officials said short-term factors such as weather contributed to the monthly loss even as longer-term trends are becoming a bit more positive.

The construction unemployment rate fell slightly in February from 17.7 percent to 17.1 percent, and is double the national unemployment rate. However, total construction employment now stands 1.2 percent higher than in February 2011 when the unemployment rate was 21.8 percent.