Scaffolding Association Comment On The Small Business Survey
The Scaffolding Association says that the impact of the pandemic on the construction sector can clearly be seen within the Small Business Survey.
In response to the Longitudinal Small Business Survey (LSBS), conducted between September 2020 and April 2021, the Scaffolding Association has indicated that the impact of the pandemic on employers can clearly be seen throughout the report.
33% of SME employers reported lower levels of employment than a year ago, and for the first time since 2010 this figure was higher than the proportion that reported an increase in the number employed (27%).
Construction businesses reported the highest level of concern from all sectors surveyed in relation to staff recruitment and skills (39%). The industry continues to view late payment as a significant challenge (32%).
Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association said “The issues highlighted by SME businesses in the construction sector are not surprising with access to labour and late payment having been long standing issues within the industry.
Covid, the impact of the UK’s exit from the EU raising costs and increasing lead times, labour shortages and late payment are all contributing to a perfect storm and SME construction businesses now face significant challenges to overcome these”.
The LSBS is produced from a telephone survey of UK businesses in the private sector with fewer than 250 employees.
