Towards a Sustainable and Structured Recovery

€2.3 billion in compensation was paid out in 2025 to cover back wages and severance pay for 212,000 employees, 85% of whom work in companies with fewer than ten employees.

The year 2025 was marked by a general contraction in activity, a drop in housing starts, and job losses, particularly in very small businesses. Political and regulatory instability has weakened the confidence of households and tradespeople, who now prefer to save rather than invest. New housing construction, renovations, and even energy transition projects have slowed down.

The data confirms this decline. In the third quarter of 2025, the sector’s revenue decreased by 6%, while new housing starts fell by 16% year-on-year. Salaried employment also declined by 4%, primarily affecting very small businesses. Apprenticeship contracts are scarce: for the second year in a row, many young people have not found a company to train them in, which is hindering the future of skilled trades.

The number of employing companies has also decreased by more than 6%, despite an average wage increase of 1.6%. Small businesses are struggling to recruit and innovate, which is jeopardizing their growth. Business failures, often silent, mainly affect companies with fewer than ten employees and self-employed individuals. Long-established businesses are not spared, illustrating the difficulty of maintaining stable operations.

For 2026, several measures are being considered to revive the sector. Energy-efficient renovations, easier access to public procurement, training in business management and leadership, and innovation in very small businesses are considered priorities. An overhaul of waste management adapted to small businesses is also necessary to limit costs and promote a sustainable recovery.

Despite this challenging context, the sector retains a central role in the economy and social life. Craftspeople are considered a force for territorial and economic stability, capable of supporting employment and local cohesion. The success of these measures could enable small construction businesses to overcome the crisis and prepare a more solid future for young people and employees in the sector.