Wirion explained that determining the successful handling of the crisis in the craft and trade sector is no straightforward matter. In general, businesses managed to survive, Wirion noted, while praising their level of resilience. Two hundred and sixty three new companies have been launched since the beginning of the pandemic, with around 1,500 new jobs created in total.
Nevertheless, a sustained positive trend has yet to return. Differences vary according to specialisations, with hairdressers and beauticians, for instance, being impacted significantly more than others, Wirion explained. The construction sector on the other hand has recorded an increase in jobs.
Government support plays an important role, the chief executive further emphasised. Eighty nine per cent of craft and trade businesses have made use of the financial aids. Eighty four per cent of them also had to fall back on partial unemployment measures.
Recently, another issue has come about in the sector, namely shortages in material. Although the problem was expected to occur, Wirion highlighted that businesses still need to be supported if hit by shortages.
