Suppliers: Light at the end of the tunnel?
BALANCE The crisis led to a slump in the Swiss economy, which also affected the garage supply industry. According to the swiss automotive aftermarket SAA, however, the situation has improved compared with the previous quarter. For the coming quarter, the economy is still forecast to be weak due to the dampening effects of the crisis, but at a higher level than [...]
Economic activity is still forecast to be weak in the coming quarter due to the dampening effects of the crisis, but at a higher level than today.
The easing of containment measures since mid-May and the support programs are currently leading to a strong catch-up process.
Significant increase in sales
Around one-third of all companies surveyed said that the current level of employment was good. The recovery is underway, albeit at a slower pace, but it is likely to continue in the coming quarters.
In terms of sales, there was a significant increase from "satisfactory/bad" to "good". Newly, 20 percent more companies assess their overall turnover as "good". Around 65 percent of all reported companies currently perceive their turnover as satisfactory. Finally, there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
Improvement of the employment situation
As demand picks up again, 22 percent of respondents expect the employment situation to rise in the fourth quarter. Just under two-thirds forecast a steady level, which is an increase of ten percent compared with the previous quarter.
The majority of those reporting expect their earnings situation to remain the same or improve, while 27 percent expect it to worsen. Around 54 percent of all participating companies expect their sales to remain the same and 22 percent expect their total sales to increase.
Less short-time work in the fourth quarter
Although eight percent of companies still expect a net decline in staffing levels.
but much less pronounced than during or shortly after the lockdown.
And this is a result that gives cause for hope: 86 percent of the reported companies have no plans for short-time work in the next quarter. Compared with the previous quarter, the total volume of short-time working is down by 30 percent.
