26 October 2018
2018- n° 283In October 2018, the economic climate deteriorates markedly in the building crafts
sector Quarterly survey of the building crafts sector - October 2018
In October 2018, far fewer building craftsmen than in July have indicated an increase in their past activity. The corresponding balance of opinion has slipped back markedly and has returned to its long-term average. Likewise, the balance on expected activity has plummeted after bouncing back in July and has returned to its long-term average.
Otherwise, building craftsmen are markedly less optimistic than in July about the general business outlook in the building sector: the corresponding balance has decreased for the third consecutive quarter while remaining well above its long-term average.
Craftsmen are less optimistic about their activity
In October 2018, far fewer building craftsmen than in July have indicated an increase in their past activity. The corresponding balance of opinion has slipped back markedly and has returned to its long-term average. Likewise, the balance on expected activity has plummeted after bouncing back in July and has returned to its long-term average.
Otherwise, building craftsmen are markedly less optimistic than in July about the general business outlook in the building sector: the corresponding balance has decreased for the third consecutive quarter while remaining well above its long-term average.
Employment expectations are less favourable
Far fewer craftsmen than in July 2018 plan to raise their staff size over the next few months. The corresponding balance has sharply fallen back but remains above its long-term average. About the last quarter, the balance on past employment is virtually stable above its long-term average.
Half of building craftsmen face difficulties in recruiting staff
In October 2018, 49% of building craftsmen have experienced recruiting problems, a share moderately decreasing after reaching a record level in ten years in the previous quarter. At the same time, 36% of building craftsmen have indicated training apprentices, a slightly lower share than its long-term average.
tableauTable1 – Building crafts sector economic outlook
| Mean* | Jan. 18 | April 18 | July 18 | Oct. 18 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Past activity | –5 | 8 | 3 | 6 | –5 |
| Expected activity | –9 | 14 | –5 | 4 | –9 |
| General business outlook | –20 | 11 | 8 | 5 | –3 |
| Past employment | –4 | –1 | –4 | –1 | –2 |
| Expected employment | –4 | 4 | 0 | 6 | –1 |
| Recruiting problems (in %) | 41 | 40 | 43 | 51 | 49 |
| Apprentice training (in %) | 38 | 39 | 38 | 37 | 36 |
- * Mean since October 1990.
- Source: French business survey, building crafts sector - INSEE
graphiqueGraph1 – Activity tendency in the building crafts sector
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