Swiss watch sector lost 4,200 jobs in 2009
Due to the economic crisis the number of jobs in the watch industry fell last year by 7.9 per cent to 49,097 employees, downsizing to 2007 levels.
Although they reflect the strong impact of the recession, the figures are less bad than expected.
The Swiss watch industry employers’ association said that in the space of 12 months, during the 2008 – 2009 crisis 4,200 jobs were shed.
Production workers were more affected by job cuts than management with a 9.8 per cent drop.
Although the number of workers was reduced, the Swiss watch industry employers’ association praises the fact that employees are now more qualified.
Neuchâtel remains the leading canton for watchmaking, with more than 27 per cent of all workers – about 13,300 workers – and a third of enterprises (201).
Behind Neuchâtel, come canton Bern with 20.2 per cent of jobs, Geneva (17.3 per cent), Jura (9.6 per cent), Vaud (9.5 per cent) and Solothurn (8 per cent).
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