Employment situation of mothers and fathers

This indicator measures the labour market participation of mothers and fathers according to their employment level

Main results

While mothers with a migration background are more often economically inactive, they are also more likely to work full time than mothers without a migration background. Mothers without a migration background work more often part time than mothers with such a background.

The share of economically inactive fathers is higher in the population with a migration background than in the population without such a background. Fathers without a migration background work more often between 50% and 89% and full time than fathers with a migration background.

Trends over time

Between 2013 and 2020, the share of economically inactive mothers decreased significantly, irrespective of their migration status. Among fathers, this reduction is only significant in the population with a migration background. The rate of mothers and fathers without a migration background working between 50% and 89% has increased significantly. However, the share of fathers working full-time has fallen in the same population. The proportion of mothers with a migration background working full-time has increased.

Between 2021 and 2022, the employment situation of mothers and fathers remains generally stable.

Economically active persons: this refers to all persons aged 15 and over who, during the reference week worked at least one hour for payment, or who, although temporarily absent from their work (due to illness, holidays, maternity leave, military service, etc.) had a job in an employed or self-employed capacity, or who worked in a family business without payment.

Economically inactive persons: this refers to persons who are not economically active persons and who are not unemployed according to the ILO definition.

Fathers and mothers are defined as people with at least one child under the age of 25 living in the household.

Economic activity of mothers and fathers

Swiss Labour Force Survey (SLFS)