Finally, firms remained optimistic regarding output over the coming 12 months. The level of positive sentiment dipped noticeably on the month and was the weakest since May, however, with some respondents citing concerns about lockdown measures and the wider economic impact of the pandemic. Lewis Cooper, Economist at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey, said, "November data highlighted a further reduction in activity across the Italian construction sector, with the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures continuing to weigh on the industry. The contraction in activity eased noticeably from October and was only fractional, albeit still broad-based across each of the three broad sectors. "More encouraging news came from new orders, which rose mildly again, pointing to a sustained recovery in client demand. Nonetheless, construction firms signalled a renewed fall in staffing levels during November, although job cuts were notably less widespread than in the spring.