Times are tough for those with construction jobs. According to a recent survey by the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), more than 50 percent of construction firms reported falling workloads in the last quarter of 2008 when compared to the same period in the previous year. Nearly 60 percent of businesses also reported a significant decline in the number of orders received.

Both figures hit record lows since CECA began its workload trends survey in 1993. According to the association, miserable market conditions in recent times are causing contractors to shed construction jobs. The majority of companies surveyed have reported reductions in their employment of skilled operatives, unskilled workers and other staff.

“This is a deeply concerning but not unexpected set of results. [They] reinforce the fear that the action taken to combat the downturn has so far failed to make a significant impression,???? said Rosemary Beales, CECA’s national director. “If the industry shrinks, then fewer contractors and skills will be available to meet demand when the economy recovers.????

However, various signs indicate that at least within the tourism industry, there are still plenty of construction jobs available. Particularly in the hotel construction sector, there appears to be a healthy growth at the budget end of the market.

For example, Travelodge currently has a series of construction schemes whose combined value reaches an impressive £3.5 billion. The company plans to create 1,000 new hotels across the country by 2020, which means its building rate will be increased from 25,000 to 70,000 in coming years. Other construction jobs being planned include refurbishment and extension. It is estimated that as many as 10,000 jobs will be created.

According to industry observer Glenigan, despite recent loss of construction jobs, prospects in the industry are expected to improve. Specifically, in the hotel construction sector, the Olympics should provide plenty of incentives for developers to start their projects and ensure that their hotels are available for bookings by 2012.

Therefore, those who currently hold or are searching for construction jobs need not despair. In the words of Glenigan’s economics director, Allan Wilen: “The budget hotel market remains relatively strong, as budget squeezed business travellers become increasingly price sensitive. Major chains such as Premier Inns and Travelodge have ambitious expansion programme, which should provide a particular bright spot for the industry over the coming year.????

Indeed, in recent years, UK investors and developers are increasingly attracted to budget hotels because of their relatively low initial capital cost and simple operating model that is based on the core revenue stream of selling overnight accommodation. The current economic downturn further helps their growth, as land values are low and there is less competition from general property and residential developers.

It is evident that the hotel construction sector helps sustain a considerable number of construction jobs. As projects underway now will open at a time when economic growth is returning, ongoing opportunities are available for other construction jobs such as maintenance and refurbishment.