24.2.2025 - In the 4th quarter 2024, total employment (excluding agriculture) in Switzerland rose by 0.9% compared with the same quarter of the previous year (seasonally adjusted, +0.1% over previous quarter). Enterprises reported 17.1% 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 5.534 million jobs in the 4th quarter 2024. This was an increase of 48 300 jobs (+0.9%) year on year. Women made up 46.7% of the workforce. At the end of 2024, 2.281 million jobs were part-time (women accounted for 69.3% of these jobs). In full-time equivalents, the total volume of employment was 4.315 million jobs. This was 40 800 full-time equivalents more than the previous year (+1%).
Secondary sector employment (industry and construction) rose only slightly in the 4th quarter 2024 compared with the same quarter of the previous year by 6700 jobs (+0.6%) to 1.131 million jobs. The tertiary sector (services) had 41 600 (+1%) more jobs in the same period, with a total volume of 4.403 million jobs.
Moderately upward short-term trend
In the short term (compared with previous quarter), seasonally-adjusted employee numbers in enterprises grew by 6500 jobs (+0.1%) in the 4th quarter 2024. In the same quarter, there was a slight upward trend in the secondary sector, with 600 additional jobs (+0.1%), while the tertiary sector saw an increase of 5800 jobs (+0.1%).
Number of vacancies declined
Enterprises reported a total of 90 500 vacancies in the 4th quarter 2024. Year on year, this was a decline of 18 700 jobs (-17.1%). Both the secondary (-17.5%) and tertiary sectors (-17%) had fewer vacancies. Vacancies represented 1.6% of all jobs, 1.9% of secondary sector jobs and 1.5% of tertiary sector jobs.
Fewer difficulties in finding skilled workers
Difficulties in the recruitment of skilled workers (weighted by number of jobs) declined in 4th quarter 2024 in comparison with the same quarter of the previous year (37.6%; -2.5 percentage points).
Somewhat gloomy employment outlook
The share of enterprises announcing an increase in the number of jobs in the short-term was 11.7% in 4th quarter 2024 (12.5% in the same quarter of the previous year) weighted by number of jobs. Those planning to reduce their workforce represented 4.7% (4% in previous year's quarter). The employment outlook indicator fell again slightly compared with the previous year (1.04; -0.9%).
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