Informations Rapides · 26 October 2021 · n° 278

In October 2021, the opinion of the business managers in civil engineering on their expected activity has improved again Quaterly survey of public works - October 2021

In October 2021, the business managers in civil engineering are much more upbeat about their expected activity than they were last July, but also more pessimistic about their past activity.

In October 2021, more business managers than in July have indicated an increase in their expected activity for the next three months. The balance of opinion has risen for the fourth consecutive quarter. It stands now well above its long-term average.

In detail, the two balances of opinion about the past activity for public and private sector clients have increased and stand well above their long-term averages.

On the other hand, considering the last three months, the opinion of the business managers on their past activity has deteriorated markedly: the balance of opinion on recent activity has decreased sharply, returning below its long-term average. In particular, the balance for private customers has slipped back sharply, although it remains above its long-term average. The one for public customers has decreased even more strongly: it has fallen back to its last April level, thereby returning below its average.

Overall, more business managers than in the previous quarter find it difficult to predict the future development in their business situation. The corresponding balance has rebounded in October 2021.

In October 2021, more business managers than in July have considered that the level of their order book is higher than normal for the season: the corresponding balance of opinion has increased for the fifth consecutive quarter. It stands well above its long-term average.

In October 2021, the obstacles to production due to a lack of staff have grown. 37% of the companies have reported to be hampered by a lack of manpower; they were a third in July. This proportion, higher than its long-term average (17%), remains however lower than its level before crisis (above 40%).

In October 2021, markedly more business managers than in July have planned to increase their workforce size in the next three months. The corresponding balance has increased for the fourth consecutive quarter and stands well above its long-term average. It has come closer to its pre-crisis level.