28 July 2020

2020- n° 192

In July 2020, the opinion of the business managers of small building firms on their past activity is very deteriorated Quarterly survey of the building crafts sector - July 2020

In July 2020, the opinion of the business managers of small building firms on their past activity for the last three months is, because of the effect of the lockdown, much more deteriorated than at the beginning of the year. The corresponding balance of opinion is much lower than in January, and far lower than the low point at the beginning of 2009. To a lesser extent, these business managers are also more pessimistic about their expected activity for the next three months than in January. The corresponding balance of opinion if now below its long-term average.

Likewise, building craftsmen are much less confident than in January about the general business outlook in the building sector: the corresponding balance of opinion stands however above its long-term average, likely reflecting a relatively high proportion of firms which are considering logically their prospects better than during the weeks of lockdown.

In July 2020, less business managers of small building firms than in January have reported an increase in their staff size over the last three months. The corresponding balance stands now well below its long-term average. The balance of opinion on the development of staff size over the next three months stands also below the point of January and has returned to its long-term average.

In July 2020, 48% of small building firms have experienced recruiting problems – a decreasing share compared to January 2020 but still higher than its long-term average. At the same time, 36% of building craftsmen have indicated training apprentices. This share is virtually stable compared to January and stands slightly below its long-term average.