Informations Rapides · 27 July 2021 · n° 191

In July 2021, small building firms have reported an improvement in their recent activity Quarterly survey of the building crafts sector - July 2021

In July 2021, the opinion of the business managers of small building firms on their activity over the past three months is much better than in April: the balance relating to past activity has risen again sharply after a pronounced drop in January; then, it remains above its long-term average. The opinion of these business managers on their expected activity for the next three months is unchanged: the corresponding balance of opinion is stable, well above its long-term average.

Likewise, the business managers of small building firms remain confident about the general outlook for the sector: the corresponding balance of opinion is virtually stable, well above its long-term average.

In July 2021, less craftsmen than in April 2021 have reported that they had increased their workforce size over the past three months: the corresponding balance of opinion has decreased and has returned to its long-term average. The balance relating to the expected change in the workforce size over the next three months is virtually stable, above its average.

In July 2021, 58% of the business managers have reported experiencing recruiting problems. This proportion has increased again compared to the previous quarter and has exceeded its pre-crisis level, which was well above its long-term average. At the same time, 41% of building craftsmen have indicated training apprentices, like last April.