A third of Swiss companies have difficulty filling vacancies

Electricians are among the most sought after workers in Switzerland © KEYSTONE / GAETAN BALLY

A shortage of skilled labour continues to affect the Swiss job market, according to the latest surveyExternal link by employment agency Manpower. 

Among reasons given for difficulties in finding the right candidates, 30% of employers surveyed cited a lack of technical skills, 29% a lack of candidates, 17% blamed a lack of professional experience and 14% cited missing interpersonal skills. 

Among the most sought-after staff are electricians, welders and mechanics, followed by sales representatives, company executives and managers. Hotel and catering staff, drivers, administrative staff and engineers are also in demand by recruiters, as well as specialists such as project managers, lawyers and researchers. Other sought-after workers are cleaners and domestic staff, as well as accounting and finance specialists. 

According to Leif Agnéus, managing director of Manpower Switzerland, the expansion of e-commerce has increased the size of the logistics and customer service sector, generating a growing need for drivers and call centre agents. 

“Technological change is profoundly changing the way work is done and requires an overhaul of the skills needed to do it. Demographic trends and a low unemployment rate make recruitment more difficult,” he said.