25.11.2024 - In the 3rd quarter 2024, total employment (excluding agriculture) in Switzerland rose by 1.2% compared with the same quarter of the previous year (seasonally adjusted, +0.2% over previous quarter). Enterprises reported 12.4% fewer vacancies than a year earlier. Difficulties recruiting personnel have declined slightly. In addition, the employment outlook remained positive despite enterprises' cautious estimates. These are some of the latest findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Enterprises in Switzerland reported 5.528 million jobs in the 3rd quarter 2024. This was an increase of 65 800 jobs (+1.2%) year on year. Women made up 46.6% of the workforce. At the end of September 2024, 2.258 million jobs were part-time (women accounted for 69.6% of these jobs). In full-time equivalents, the total volume of employment was 4.321 million jobs. This was 58 600 full-time equivalents more than the previous year (+1.4%).
Secondary sector employment (industry and construction) rose only slightly in the 3rd quarter 2024 compared with the same quarter of the previous year by 7600 jobs (+0.7%) to 1.139 million jobs. The tertiary sector (services) had 58 200 (+1.3%) more jobs in the same period, with a total volume of 4.389 million jobs.
Moderately upward short-term trend
In the short term (compared with previous quarter), seasonally-adjusted employee numbers in enterprises grew by 10 700 jobs (+0.2%). In the same quarter, there was a slight upward trend in the secondary sector, with 900 additional jobs (+0.1%), while the tertiary sector saw an increase of 13 300 jobs (+0.3%).
Number of vacancies declined
Enterprises reported a total of 98 800 vacancies in the 3rd quarter 2024. Year on year, this was a decline of 14 000 jobs (-12.4%). Both the secondary (-13.1%) and tertiary sectors (-12.2%) had fewer vacancies. Vacancies represented 1.8% of all jobs, 2.1% of secondary sector jobs and 1.7% of tertiary sector jobs.
Fewer difficulties in finding skilled workers
Difficulties in the recruitment of skilled workers declined in 3rd quarter 2024 in comparison with the same quarter of the previous year (37.9%; -2.8 percentage points). Nevertheless, skilled labour remained difficult to find in long-term comparison.
Somewhat gloomy employment outlook
The share of enterprises announcing an increase in the number of jobs in the short-term was 10.9% in 3rd quarter 2024 (12.4% in the same quarter of the previous year) weighted by number of jobs. Those planning to reduce their workforce represented 5% (4.5% in previous year's quarter). The employment outlook indicator fell again slightly compared with the previous year (1.03; -1%).
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