The Swiss government has launched an initiative for stricter rules governing where convicted paedophiles can work.

In an initiative that went out to consultation on Wednesday, the government wants to make it harder for offenders to come into contact with potential victims, including minors, people with disabilities and the aged.

While current working restrictions only affect offenders in their present employment, under the new rules a teacher would no longer be able to continue in his job if he carried out abuse outside of his profession.

Depending on the age and vulnerability of the victim, the government wants to be able to block offenders' non-professional involvement in associations or organisations.  

In addition, a ban on regular work with minors for ten years would be in place for serious offences. This could be extended to life, if there is a risk of reoffending.

Among other measures, repeat offenders could be banned from particular locations or from approaching certain people and could be subject to electronic tag devices.

The issue would require constitutional amendments and therefore would need to go to a public vote.

It follows revelations earlier this month of large-scale sexual abuse by a care worker in eight Swiss residential homes for the mentally disabled over 29 years.

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