Five-Point Improvement from June to July in RIBA Workload Index Despite Project Delays

The July RIBA Workload Index stands at +4, a five-point improvement from June’s -1 figure as architects, on balance, expect workloads to increase over the next three months. The recovery which began last month continues, with the index moving above zero after three consecutive months of being negative.

Confidence has improved across practice sizes. While smaller practices remain pessimistic, their outlook is improving. Large and medium-sized practices remain strongly optimistic about future workloads, with the outlook especially positive among the largest practices.

The regional picture remains mixed this month, but most regions are now either positive or neutral about future workloads.

The outlook across the sectors is also mixed. Private housing remains the weakest sector, although sentiment has markedly improved since last month. The outlook for the public sector has become positive, while the commercial sector has dipped.

The outlook for permanent staffing has improved, with the RIBA Future Trends Permanent Staffing Index returning to positive territory, posting a +5 figure, suggesting staff levels are expected to increase, on balance, over the next three months.

This month’s report also includes detailed findings about project delays caused by passing HRB Gateways, the processing of planning applications by Local Authorities, and the requirements of Biodiversity Net Gain and Nutrient Neutrality. Overall, project progress continues to be hindered, often very significantly.

View the July 2026 report.