Halted construction work has contributed to a growing number of layoffs in the construction industry during the month of April.
"The coronavirus pandemic is causing construction companies to cut back on their employees, something that seemed unthinkable a few months ago," reports Jenn Goodman.
"As of April 3, 27% of construction firms responding to an online survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America reported they had furloughed or terminated workers as a result of the coronavirus pandemic," explains Goodman. That number quickly grew, however. "That number was at 40% by April 10."
The layoffs respond partly to closures of work sites on government orders around the country, but contractors report a host of other concerns in the industry right now, including materials shortages, PPE shortages, potential infected workers, lack of government action and a shortage of craftworkers, Goodman reports. Seven percent of projects have been canceled by the owners of projects reporting information to the survey.
FULL STORY: In coronavirus crisis, US construction firms begin turning to layoffs, furloughs
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