Far fewer construction firms in Georgia and across the country are planning to lay off workers in 2012 than in recent years -- a bright spot for the struggling industry, a new survey shows.
In Georgia, 5 percent of 43 companies surveyed plan to lay off employees this year, compared with 22 percent in 2011. Meanwhile, 30 percent plan to add jobs, 42 percent remain undecided, and the rest plan no change, according to a report released Monday by the Associated General Contractors of America. Some 28 percent of the Georgia firms surveyed ended up cutting jobs in 2011, down from 49 percent in 2010.
“While there are some promising signs, especially when it comes to construction employment, the outlook for the industry remains mixed,” said Stephen Sandherr, the trade group’s CEO.
Nationwide, 9 percent of construction companies plan to cut jobs this year, compared with 37 percent last year and 55 percent in 2010, according to the trade group, which surveyed more than 1,300 firms. Some 32 percent reported planning to add staff in 2012.
Rising material costs, tighter lending, budget cuts at the state and federal levels and stimulus funds drying up are among the hurdles facing the industry, said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America.
“The impacts of the stimulus are fading fast,” he said.
