Survey: Mix of Hiring and Layoffs in May for Construction Firms

An AGC survey finds that nearly 70% of construction firms have had projects cancelled or delayed since mid-March.

By Vincent Salandro

Project cancellations are forcing many construction firms to furlough or terminate employees, according to a new survey from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). The survey results support recent government data showing construction employment declined in the District of Columbia and every state except South Dakota in April.

The AGC's survey, conducted between May 18 and May 21, found nearly 70% of the 742 respondents have canceled or delayed projects since the outbreak of the coronavirus in early March. Nearly a quarter of respondents reported that projects they expected to start in June or later have been canceled. Over a quarter of respondents reported project delays or disruptions have been caused by a shortage of materials or a shortage of skilled laborers.