2019 economic outlook for Colorado predicts continued labor shortage |
Written by Christy Eull |
Tuesday, December 11, 2018 02:00 AM |
There is not much relief in sight for the Colorado skilled labor shortage, according to the recently released Colorado Business Economic Outlook for 2019. The report, sponsored by University of Colorado Leeds School of Business, reports what the landscape industry has seen for some time: employment opportunities abound, but as baby boomer retire there remains a shortage of younger people entering the workforce to replace them. Economic growth is expected to slow slightly as a result. Researchers noted that issued with the temporary guest worker via programs like H-2B have further contributed to labor issues for skilled trades. As a result, businesses are forced to find other tools to address the labor gap: technology to automate work, slower delivery of service schedules, and increased overtime. Aside from labor issues, the outlook for the nursery and greenhouse industry is positive: “Colorado’s sod, nursery, and floriculture industry continues to benefit from the state’s lively housing market as new homes include new trees, flowers, and landscaping. Nursery and floriculture are estimated to continue to grow, from $336 million in 2017 to $359 million in 2018 (a 7% gain) and a projected $384 million in 2019.” Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW: |