SECO’s 6th monitoring report on implementation of the job registration requirement shows that once again in 2024, significantly fewer occupation types had to be registered than in the previous year. This is due to the continued fall in unemployment in 2023, which led to fewer occupations being subject to the registration requirement in 2024.

The number of unemployed people fell month-on-month in May by 2,157 (-1.7%) to 127,944. Compared with the same month last year, unemployment has increased by 22,479 (+21.3%). The unemployment rate remained at 2.8% in May.

In April 2025, labour market experts at the RAVs expected a continued rise in unemployment and a slight fall in employment in the next three months. Both components of the indicator fell month-on-month. The overall Swiss Labour Market Indicator now stands at just 95.3 points – its lowest ever level.

In light of the difficult economic environment, on 14 May the Federal Council again decided to extend the maximum eligibility period for short-time working compensation, from 12 to 18 months. This will give businesses greater planning certainty. The amended Ordinance will enter into force on 1 August 2025 and will apply until 31 July 2026.

In the wake of an economic slowdown, unemployment rose slightly in the course of 2024. This resulted in a revenue surplus of CHF 1.40 billion for the unemployment insurance.