Job Statistics - FAQ
How is a job defined?
A job is counted for every person carrying out an occupational activity in an enterprise and on whose wages compulsory OASI contributions (old-age and survivors’ insurance) are paid. A person can be active in several enterprises but only once in a given enterprise.
What is the definition of full-time equivalents (FTEs)?
FTEs correspond to the total of all work-time percentages for jobs held by persons working in an enterprise (for example the total of a 90% job, a 25% and two 50% jobs is 2.15 FTE).
What data are collected for the Job Statistics (JOBSTAT)?
The Job Statistics (JOBSTAT) are economic statistics that appear on a quarterly basis. They describe the evolution of employment, the number of job vacancies, difficulties in recruiting personnel and expected employment trends for Switzerland and its seven major regions. The primary sector (agriculture), private household employees and those not subject to OASI contributions are not included in the statistics.
How are data collected for the Job Statistics (JOBSTAT)?
The survey universe is all enterprises domiciled in Switzerland. While all of the large enterprises are surveyed, a sample survey is made of small enterprises. 18 000 enterprises (65 000 businesses) are surveyed.
When were the first job statistics collected?
The Job Statistics have existed since 1925. To start with only a few economic activities were surveyed. Extended over the years. Figures from 1991 onwards are available on the internet. Other figures supplied upon request.
What is the earliest year for which figures are available?
Quarterly figures for jobs by economic division are available starting from 1991 Q3; jobs by major region and sector from 1995 Q3 onwards. Job vacancies (index) starting from 1997 and absolute figures from 2003. Difficulties in recruitment and expected employment trends available from 2004.
What is the difference between jobs and employed persons?
The two statistics look at the labour market from different angles (JOBSTAT: Labour demand from businesses, ES: Labour supply from households). Discrepancies can occur due to the measurement units used. Possible explanations are: an employed person can hold several jobs, certain employment categories are excluded from JOBSTAT (primary sector or private household employees, etc.) Depending on the question being asked, one of the statistics is more suitable than the other.
Do you have figures for cantons/communes?
Unfortunately figures on jobs are only available at national and major region level. For detailed figures (down to communal level or NOGA 6-digit), STATENT (only available in German or French) must be used.
Do you have more precise figures (NOGA2 - NOGA6)?
Unfortunately results are only available for level BFS50. For detailed figures (down to communal level or NOGA 6-digit), STATENT (only available in German or French) must be used.
Where can I find the tables and graphs in internet?
JOBSTAT (general):
Results can be found under “further information“
- Tables (Excel tables) or
- Data (Data cubes)."
Do data refer to establishments or enterprises?
JOBSTAT data are published at establishment level.