The number of people working in the construction industry in the US rose during October 2010, a study shows.

Research by the Associated General Contractors of America indicates 29 states witnessed a climb in employment from September.

However, based on figures from the Labor Department, the report reveals the situation in the construction jobs market remains "volatile", with the level of people in building work down year-on-year in 39 states compared with October 2009.

The states that saw the highest leap in positions between September and October were Arizona and Texas, with the greatest losses recorded in Florida and Minnesota.

Commenting on the data, chief economist of the association Ken Simonson said: "Construction is no longer in free fall, but the industry remains fragile as improvements vary greatly by state and project type."

Latest regional and state figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics showed unemployment declined in 19 states during October 2010, while 17 saw the rate remain stable and 15 experienced an increase.

Posted by Fiona Summers