Swiss employment trends positive in 2024

Keystone/Alessandro Della Bella

Employment in Switzerland has continued to develop positively in 2024, with more jobs being created in the year’s first quarter. Although the employment indicator fell slightly in terms of outlook, it remains positive. 

The number of jobs rose by 1.8% compared to the previous year. In total, the Federal Statistical Office counted 5.48 million people in employment in Switzerland in the first quarter, according to a statement on Friday. However, the number of job vacancies fell by 9.7% to 114,300. 

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Both the secondary and tertiary sectors contributed to job growth. The employment trend was upwards in almost all major regions. Growth was particularly strong in central Switzerland (+3.6%). Only in Ticino (-0.2%) did employment fall slightly. 

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Employment in the tertiary sector (services) rose by 2.0%. A total of 4.35 million people work in the service sector. More jobs were also created in the secondary sector (industry and construction). The number of people employed there grew by 0.7% to 1.13 million. 

Seasonally adjusted, total employment increased by 0.6% compared to the previous quarter to 5.51 million. Converted into full-time positions, total employment in Switzerland would amount to 4.27 million full-time jobs. This is an increase of 1.4% compared to the previous year. 

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According to the Federal Statistical Office, the outlook is still “positive”, although the indicator for employment prospects fell by 1.6% to 1.05 compared to the previous year. 

The difficulties in recruiting skilled labour have decreased somewhat, the report continued. In historical comparison, however, skilled labour is still difficult to find. 

Adapted from German by DeepL/kc/amva

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