The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has said the jump of over 13,000 construction jobs is a clear signal of the growth in the industry.  The latest CSO Quarterly National Household Survey recorded 116,700 people are working in the sector.

The Q4 2014 figure is now 13,100 up on the same period in 2013. While on a quarter to quarter basis, the number of construction jobs grew by 4,300.

[rev_slider Surety] CIF Director General Tom Parlon has said it was a very positive sign for the industry.  “It is great to see further growth in the number of construction jobs being created.  It is not only very positive for the industry but it is also extremely beneficial to the wider economy. Former construction workers still make up the largest group on the Live Register.  An increase in the number of people in construction jobs will help reduce that number.

“The industry has been saying for several years now that as soon as there was a pick up in activity then there would be a strong increase in the number of construction jobs.  Construction is a very labour intensive activity and it represents the quickest way of moving people from the unemployment lines to paid employment.

“These latest figures are particularly impressive when you consider Q4 covers the period going into winter – a time when the level of workforce is generally reduced throughout the sector.  When you also factor in the various measures that will generate further construction activity in the coming years, this all points to thousands of additional jobs being created.

“The latest figures are a clear sign of growth in the construction industry.  Our expectation is that there will be even more positive figures to come over the next few years,” Mr. Parlon concluded. www.cif.ie