In the 4th quarter 2023, 201 000 persons were unemployed in Switzerland as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), i.e. 5 000 less than one year previously. These unemployed persons represented 3.9% of the economically active population, i.e. a slightly lower percentage than that observed in the 4th quarter 2022 (4.1%). After correction for seasonal variations, the unemployment rate was stable compared with the previous quarter (4.1%).
Unemployment based on the ILO definition affects women (4.3% in 2023) more often than men (3.9%) and persons of foreign nationality (6.6%) more often than Swiss nationals (3.0%). Young people (15-24 years) are also much more affected by unemployment (8.1%) than other age groups (25-39 years: 3.9%; 40-54 years: 3.4%; 55-64 years: 3.4%).
In 2023, the number of long-term unemployed as per the ILO definition (1 year or more) was 71 000, which was a decrease compared with 2022. Persons unemployed for 1 year or more represented 1.5% of the economically active population or 34.8% of the total number of unemployed based on ILO definition.
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