27 October 2016
2016- n° 281In October 2016, business prospects darken in the building crafts sector Quarterly survey of the building crafts sector - October 2016
In October 2016, more building craftsmen than in July forecast a fall in their activity, the balance going back below its long-term average. The balance on past activity is stable at a level close to its long-term average. Likewise, opinion of craftsmen concerning the general business outlook in the building sector is virtually stable; it remains well above its long-term average.
Craftsmen's personal business prospects darken again
In October 2016, more building craftsmen than in July forecast a fall in their activity, the balance going back below its long-term average. The balance on past activity is stable at a level close to its long-term average. Likewise, opinion of craftsmen concerning the general business outlook in the building sector is virtually stable; it remains well above its long-term average.
Slight improvement in employment in summer but employment prospects decline slightly
Slightly fewer craftsmen than in July indicate a fall in their staff size during the last months. The corresponding balance of opinion has exceeded its long-term average for the first time since April 2008. On the contrary, slightly more craftsmen than in July forecast a fall in their staff size. The corresponding balance remains close to its long-term average.
Less than one firm out of three has recruiting problems
In October 2016, 29% of businesses have experienced recruiting problems. This proportion has increased slightly compared to the last quarter and stay well below its long-term average (41%). Slightly less businesses indicate that they train apprentices: their share has reached 36%, falling slightly below its long-term average.
tableauTable1 – Building crafts sector economic outlook
| Mean* | Jan. 16 | April 16 | July 16 | Oct. 16 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Past activity | –6 | –8 | –19 | –8 | –8 |
| Expected activity | –9 | –15 | –18 | –5 | –12 |
| General business outlook | –21 | –27 | –24 | –13 | –12 |
| Past employment | –4 | –5 | –6 | –5 | –2 |
| Expected employment | –4 | –5 | –6 | –3 | –6 |
| Recruiting problems (in %) | 41 | 24 | 30 | 28 | 29 |
| Apprentice training (in %) | 38 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 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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