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.

According to SECO’s surveys, there were 104,518 unemployed persons registered with the regional employment centres (RAV) at the end of June 2024, i.e. 947 fewer than in the previous month. The unemployment rate remained at 2.3% in the reporting month. Compared with the previous month, unemployment rose by 19,419 persons (+22.8%).

While the short-term labour market outlook according to experts from the RAVs was positive in May (the Labour Market Barometer stood at 100.8), the figures are somewhat less marked compared with the same period last year.

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.