Employee numbers in the UAE’s beleaguered construction and real estate sector have fallen up to 35 percent since last autumn, recruitment consultant Macdonald & Company has revealed.

Between 25-35 percent of jobs have been lost in the industry since the economic downturn hit last October, according to Matthew Taylor, international director at Macdonald & Company, which employs around 120 staff worldwide.

He predicted average salaries in the industry would be cut between 10-20 percent in 2009, as firms slash costs in the wake of the global crisis.

UAE construction, real estate staff down by up to 35% - Construction & Industry - ArabianBusiness.com