The construction sector in the US increased the number of people it was employing in the US in 2011 when compared to 2010, according to latest figures.

The Associated General Contractors of America's newest report has shown that construction jobs increased in December in 148 metropolitan areas, while only dropping in 128.

Overall construction growth was fuelled by the fact that spending on construction jobs between December of 2010 and the year later rose by 4.3 per cent, largely accredited to a greater demand among the public for construction jobs.

Associated General Contractors of America chief economist Ken Simonson said: "Many communities are benefitting from growing demand from the private sector for new construction activity."

Lake County-Kenosha County added the most jobs in the country over the year, with 3,900 jobs created over the 12-month period, with this representing a rise of 33 per cent.

Employment in construction has been steadily improving the US, and last month, Ohio reported a 2.6 per cent increase in jobs in this sector.

Posted by Fiona Summers