Are ‘missing’ construction workers re-appearing?

In surveys, builders keep flagging one major concern: they can’t find enough labor to keep up with their workflow.

Yet construction hiring was one of the brightest spots in a stellar November jobs report, with 46,000 jobs added. Residential construction hiring has averaged 10,400 in 2015, down a bit from 13,525 per month in 2014, but still strong.

“Actions we’ve been taking to attract labor are starting to pay off,” said David Crowe, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders.

Builders are stepping up outreach to all kinds of nontraditional groups, like veterans, Crowe said. They’re partnering with community colleges and local unions to develop training programs. And yes, they’re also starting to raise wages, though that’s on a piecemeal, local basis.

More details here.