FINDING A JOB

Access to the labour market is regulated by law and depends on permit status. A combination of different search methods is recommended to find a job:

• Search for job advertisements on the Internet,
• Use the central platform
• Send speculative applications to companies;
  
• Contact employment agencies;
• Speak to people around you;
• Apply for job offers in the newspapers
• Register with a regional public employment service (RAV).

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A JOB IN SWITZERLAND?

In Switzerland, an application comprises a CV and a covering letter. References, proof of work, education and training certificates and diplomas which will be included in the file are also important for the application. Applications often have to be submitted online.
Useful tips on creating an application file can be found on the Internet.

RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN DIPLOMAS

Various foreign diplomas and training courses can be recognised in Switzerland. Depending on the qualification, please contact the following organisations:

SALARY AND SOCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In Switzerland, gross salaries are relatively high but this also applies to living costs. There is no minimum wage that applies to all work sectors. Some sectors, however, have minimum wages under the collective work agreement. Obligatory contributions for old-age and surviving dependents’ insurance (AHV), invalidity insurance (IV), unemployment insurance (ALV) and accident insurance (UV) are deducted from the wage or salary. In the canton of Schaffhausen, employees and employers also pay a contribution to the cantonal social fund. When the annual income exceeds around CHF 20,000.00, contributions to the occupational pension (the so-called 2nd pillar) are also deducted as a supplement to the AHV. Overall, deductions for obligatory social insurances amount to around 15-20% of income.

REDUNDANCY

If the necessary prerequisites are met, people who live in Switzerland and lose their jobs are entitled to insurance benefits, so-called per diem allowances. A valid residence permit and at least 12 months of employment during the last two years before signing on as unemployed are the pivotal conditions for payment of the per diem allowances. If, after termination of your employment contract, you do not find a new position straight away, please report immediately to the regional unemployment centre (RAV) – preferably during the notice period – where you will be given information on the next steps that you should take.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Switzerland is known for its good working conditions. They are regulated differently, however, depending on the profession and industry. You should obtain information early on about the applicable working conditions. Your employment contract stipulates the type of work to be performed, the working hours, probationary period, period of notice, holidays, salary, professional indemnity insurance and pension fund. There are collective bargaining agreements (GAV) in certain industries. A collective bargaining agreement is a written agreement between individual or several employers or their professional associations and unions. It includes provisions regarding the relationship between employer and employee, as well as provisions that are directed at the contractual parties to the collective bargaining agreement.

PROTECTION AGAINST DISMISSAL

The law protects employees from termination of employment in the event of illness, accident, pregnancy or maternity leave. Termination during this period is usually void. In the event of unlawful dismissal for other reasons, the employee does not, however, have to be reintegrated into the company; They can only claim compensation in court.

ILLEGAL EMPLOYMENT

Even somebody who is paid for occasional work in the area of cleaning, childcare, house or garden work is deemed to be employed. He or she must have a permit under the foreigners’ law and be registered with social services (or register themselves); otherwise, it is illegal work. Someone who works illegally is not insured if he or she becomes an invalid, has an accident or becomes unemployed. The consequences can be drastic. It is therefore in the employee’s interest to be registered.