Informations Rapides · 26 January 2021 · n° 020

In January 2021, the business managers of small building firms remain quite confident about their activity Quarterly survey of the building crafts sector - January 2021

In January 2021, the opinion of the business managers of small building firms on their past activity over the last three months is a little better than in October 2020: the balance of opinion about past activity has increased slightly and thus remains above its long-term average. Their opinion on expected activity for the next three months is practically unchanged: the corresponding balance of opinion, virtually stable, remains above its long-term average.

Likewise, building craftsmen remain quite confident about the general business outlook in the building sector: the corresponding balance of opinion has hardly changed since July 2020 and remains above its long-term average.

In January 2021, more business managers of small building firms than in October 2020 have reported an increase in their staff size over the last three months: the corresponding balance has increased again and has returned above its long-term average. However, the balance of opinion on the development of staff size over the next three months has weakened slightly in comparison to October 2020, while remaining above its average.

In January 2021, almost one in two business managers of small building firms has experienced recruiting problems – a practically stable share since July 2020 and higher than its long-term average. At the same time, 38% of building craftsmen have indicated training apprentices. This share has risen very slightly again and has recovered to its average.