Informations Rapides · 26 October 2021 · n° 276

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

In October 2021, the opinion of the business managers of small building firms on their activity over the past three months is better than in July: the balance relating to past activity has risen for the third consecutive quarter after a pronounced drop in January 2021. This balance of opinion has therefore deviated further from its long-term average. Likewise, the business managers are more confident about the general outlook for the sector: the corresponding balance of opinion has risen and remains well above its long-term average.

Although, the opinion of business managers of small building firms on their expected activity for the next three months has deteriorated: the corresponding balance of opinion has fallen back sharply, but remains well above its long-term average.

In October 2021, many more craftsmen than in July 2021 have reported that they had increased their workforce size over the past three months: the corresponding balance of opinion has bounced back markedly and has returned above its long-term average. The balance relating to the expected change in the workforce size over the next three months has increased quite sharply and remains above its average.

In October 2021, 69% of the business managers have reported experiencing recruiting problems. This proportion has increased for the third consecutive quarter and reached the highest point since the beginning of the series (October 1990). At the same time, 39% of building craftsmen have indicated training apprentices, a proportion virtually stable since January 2021.