Construction adds 6,000 jobs in July; unemployment falls to 8-year low

Updated Aug 10, 2015

shutterstock_55365469Following a flat June, the U.S. construction industry saw a small increase in employment in July.

According to preliminary data from the Labor Department, construction employment rose by 6,000 jobs during the month, most likely due to increased home sales.

The industry now employs 6.383 million Americans.

The sector’s unemployment rate fell again in July, this time down 0.8 points to 5.5 percent. That’s the lowest rate since 5.3 percent in August 2007.

The new data also revised downward the employment figure for June from the previously reported 6.380 million, to 6.377 million.

The U.S. economy added a total of 215,000 jobs in June while the unemployment rate remained at 5.3 percent.