ASALfutur is the federal government’s key project to update the system for processing and paying unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. The second stage of the rollout was completed successfully at the beginning of June 2024. From now on, the UI implementing agencies will process insolvency benefits entirely via ASAL 2.0.

The number of unemployed people increased by 3,638 (+3.4%) to 111,354 in August compared to the previous month. Compared with the same month last year, unemployment has risen by 21,473 (+23.9%). The unemployment rate increased month-on-month in August by 0.1 percentage points to 2.4%.

Both components of the Swiss Labour Market Barometer were in negative territory in June. For registered unemployment (seasonally adjusted) in particular, the labour market experts anticipate a deterioration, in other words a slight increase (98.8 points).

The 2023 Activity Report gives an update on the division’s key activities over the last year, from the 2030 Public employment service strategy to the key ASALfutur project and the new LinkedIn channel. The figures section also provides an insight into the most important key performance indicators relating to unemployment insurance.

On 19 June, the Federal Council decided to extend the maximum eligibility period for short-time working compensation from 12 to 18 months. The Ordinance amendment will enter into force on 1 August 2024 and will apply until 31 July 2025.