Informations Rapides · 25 October 2022 · n° 281

In October 2022, the opinion of the business managers in civil engineering on theirs activity prospects has improved compared to July Quaterly survey of public works - October 2022

In October 2022, the business managers in civil engineering are more optimistic than in July about their expected activity for the next three months. However, they also make a less positive assessment about their recent activity over the past three months and are facing important difficulties linked with a workforce shortage.

In October 2022, business managers are much more numerous than in July to expect an increase in their activity for the next three months: the corresponding balance of opinion bounces back after two consecutive drops and is back above its long-term average. This improvement concerns the incoming activity for both the private and public sector.

Conversely, the opinion of business managers on the evolution of their activity over the past three months is clearly deteriorating. The related balance of opinion hence falls below its average. The drop is more pronounced for the balance of opinion on the recent activity with the public sector than for that with the private sector.

Economic uncertainty felt by business managers maintains at a very high level: the corresponding balance of opinion increases slightly and remains above its average.

In October 2022, the balance of opinion on their order books is almost stable and remains well above its long-term average.

In October 2022, difficulties due to a lack of manpower are more often mentioned by the business managers than in July: 50% of companies have reported some, a proportion standing at its highest level since 2007.

In October 2022, business managers are way more numerous than in July to report that they plan on increasing their workforce over the next three months. The corresponding balance rises sharply and stand way above its long-term average.