The RIBA Future Trends Workload Index was virtually unchanged in August 2018, standing at +11, compared to +10 in July.
In terms of geographical analysis, practices in the North of England remained the most positive about future workloads by quite a large margin with a balance figure of +41, up from +30 last month. Practices in the Midlands and East Anglia also remained upbeat with a balance figure of +19.
Practices in the South of England (balance figure +5) and London (balance figure zero) are still much more cautious.
Analysing the August 2018 workload forecast data in terms of practice size, large practices (51+ staff) returned a workload balance figure of +83, medium-sized practices (11 - 50 staff) +24, and small practices (1 - 10 staff) +8, which is significantly lower. This reflects the pattern we have seen in recent months.
In terms of different work sectors, the private housing sector workload forecast was virtually unchanged – standing at +6 – but it remains down from its recent higher trend level. The commercial sector forecast saw a small rise to +9.
Both the public sector (balance figure -4) and the community sector workload forecast (balance figure -1) were, however, down this month, and our participating practices predict a marginal fall in workload in these sectors.
The RIBA Future Trends Staffing Index saw a small dip this month, standing at +3 in August 2018, down from +6 in July.
The staffing forecast for large practices (51+ staff) was +67, medium-sized practices (11 - 50 staff), zero (down sharply from +16 last month), and small practices (1 - 10 staff), +1. Smaller practices remain much less confident about taking on additional staff in the short to medium term.
Mirroring the Workload Index, practices in the North of England (balance figure +11) and the Midlands and East Anglia (balance figure +12) are the most optimistic about being able to take on more staff over the next quarter.
London practices (balance figure -3) and the South of England (balance figure -8) are significantly more cautious on future staffing levels, indicating a tightening employment market for salaried architects in London and the South.
RIBA Executive Director Members, Adrian Dobson, said:
“Commentary received from our participating practices continues to portray a fairly steady if not growing market.
However, a significant number of our practices do highlight a growing hesitancy on the part of clients to allow projects to proceed to construction with many citing uncertain conditions created by Brexit as an important factor which is clouding overall sentiment.
The private housing sector forecast may also be some cause for concern, as it has consistently been the best performer in recent years providing the engine of growth in workloads for the profession.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. For further press information contact Abigail.Chiswell-White@riba.org +44 (0) 20 7580 3811
2. Completed by a mix of small, medium and large firms based on a geographically representative sample, the RIBA Future Trends Survey was launched in January 2009 to monitor business and employment trends affecting the architects’ profession.
3. The Future Trends survey is carried out by the RIBA in partnership with the Fees Bureau. Results of the survey, including a full graphical analysis, are published each month.
4. The definition for the workload balance figure is the difference between those expecting more work and those expecting less. A negative figure means more respondents expect less work than those expecting more work. This figure is used to represent the RIBA Future Trends workload index.
5. The definition for the staffing balance figure is the difference between those expecting to employ more permanent staff in the next three months and those expecting to employ fewer. A negative figure means more respondents expect to employ fewer permanent staff. This figure is used to represent the RIBA Future Trends staffing index.
6. To participate in the RIBA Future Trends Survey, please contact the RIBA Practice Department on 020 7307 3749 or email practice@riba.org. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete each month, and all returns are independently processed in strict confidence.
7. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. www.architecture.com Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates www.twitter.com/RIBA
