25 July 2016
2016- n° 196In July 2016, the economic climate improves sharply in the building craft sector Quarterly survey of the building crafts sector - July 2016
In July 2016, sharply fewer building craftsmen than in April 2016 declare a fall in their activity in the last quarter; the corresponding balance is closer to its average. The balance on expected activity has also recovered significantly at a highest level ever seen since April 2011 and slightly above its long-term average. Moreover, opinion of craftsmen concerning the general business outlook in the building sector has improved sharply and the corresponding balance has become above its long-term average, for the first time since 2011.
Craftsmen's general business outlook have improved sharply
In July 2016, sharply fewer building craftsmen than in April 2016 declare a fall in their activity in the last quarter; the corresponding balance is closer to its average. The balance on expected activity has also recovered significantly at a highest level ever seen since April 2011 and slightly above its long-term average. Moreover, opinion of craftsmen concerning the general business outlook in the building sector has improved sharply and the corresponding balance has become above its long-term average, for the first time since 2011.
Employment prospects has recovered slightly
Slightly fewer craftsmen than in April indicate a fall in their staff size during the three last months and for the few next months. The balance of opinion on expected employment has come back to its long-term average, unknown since April 2012.
Less than one firm out of three has recruiting problems
In July 2016, recruiting problems have concerned 27% of businesses. This proportion has decreased slightly compared to the last quarter and stay below its long-term average (41%). The share of businesses training apprentices has increased and has reached 39%, a level above its long-term average.
tableautableau1 – Building crafts sector economic outlook
| Mean* | Oct. 15 | Jan. 16 | April 16 | July 16 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Past activity | –6 | –21 | –8 | –19 | –8 |
| Expected activity | –9 | –20 | –15 | –18 | –8 |
| General business outlook | –22 | –28 | –27 | –24 | –15 |
| Past employment | –4 | –5 | –5 | –6 | –5 |
| Expected employment | –4 | –7 | –5 | –6 | –4 |
| Recruiting problems (in %) | 41 | 26 | 24 | 30 | 27 |
| Apprentice training (in %) | 38 | 37 | 35 | 36 | 39 |
- * Mean since October 1990.
- Source: French business survey, building crafts sector - INSEE
graphiqueActivity – Activity tendency in the building crafts sector
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