The study reveals that hiring intentions are increasing in almost all regions, business sizes and activity sectors. The SD Worx barometer, active since 2010, shows in particular an encouraging development: 68 % of the planned recruitments concern post creations, compared to 61 % in the previous quarter. Replacements are down (46 % against 50 %).
A quarter of Belgian workers already affected by a sick leave of more than 3 months
Another positive sign: SMEs turn more to indefinite contracts and recruitments via temporary work, while CDD commitments or for ad hoc missions recede.
The size of the company also plays a role. SMEs of 100 to 250 workers are particularly dynamic: 92 % of them plan to hire, against 42 % for those with between 5 and 19 employees, a stable rate.
The secondary sector (industry and construction) stands out with 51 % of SMEs ready to engage, against 38 % in services. This sector also favors full -time employment (86 %, compared to 66 % in the tertiary and quaternary).
More and more foreign independents in Belgium
But the shortage of qualified profiles remains a brake. Overall, 51 % of the SMEs affected by recruitment estimate that their vacant posts fall under trades in shortage. This percentage climbs to 62 % in Wallonia, 51 % in Flanders, but falls 25 % in Brussels. Missing profiles are often qualified workers in construction or industry.
Finally, the dismissal intentions are down. Only 11 % of SMEs plan to separate from personnel this quarter, compared to 15 % in the previous one. Wallonia displays the lowest (8 %) score again, far ahead of Flanders (12 %) and Brussels (14 %). Note that a dismissal does not necessarily mean the abolition of a position: almost half (49 %) of the SMEs concerned provides for a replacement.
Night work: a reform that worries unions
According to SD World, the embellished is partly explained by an anticipation of an increase in activity: 31 % of SMEs expect an increase in their work volume this summer. “”Wallonia (45 %) is even more optimistic than Flanders (27 %) and Brussels (19 %)“, Souligne Vassilios Skarlidis.
