The number of people working in construction has fallen by almost a fifth over the 12 months to September, according to figures released by the Central Statistics Office today.
The CSO data shows the contraction in the sector had accelerated during the summer with the result that employment in the sector had fallen 18.6 per cent by the end of September.
During the 12 months to August, employment in the sector was down 18 per cent.
According to the survey of around 1,000 building firms employing 5 people or more the number of jobs in construction has declined every month since April last year.
Alan McQuaid economist with Bloxhams Stockbrokers said with manufacturing and services PMIs hitting record lows in October it was little surprise construction was very weak.
"In October the downturn was mainly in the commercial construction sector, where the index sank to the lowest reading in the history of the series and also dropped below the comparable housing index for the first time since July 2006."
