24 January 2020

2020- n° 21

In January 2020, more small building firms report a decrease in their past activity Quarterly survey of the building crafts sector - January 2020

In January 2020, the opinion of the business managers of small building firms on their past activity has continued to deteriorate. The corresponding balance of opinion has decreased again, more sharply than in October, and has moved below its long-term average. However, these business managers remain optimistic about their expected activity for the next three months. The corresponding balance of opinion has risen again and has moved further away from its long-term average.

Building craftsmen’s optimism about the general business outlook in the building sector is weaker than in October. The corresponding balance of opinion has fallen again. However, it stands well above its long-term average.

The balance of opinion on development of staff size over the next three months has slipped again but remains above its long-term average.

Conversely, slightly more business managers than in October 2019 have reported an increase in their staff size over the last three months. The corresponding balance has increased very slightly and stands just above its long-term average.

In January 2020, 55% of small building firms have experienced recruiting problems – a stable share compared to October 2019 and significantly higher than its long-term average. At the same time, 37% of building craftsmen have indicated training apprentices. This share has decreased very slightly compared to October and stands below its long-term average.