Underemployed persons and additional potential workforce

Labour force potential

In 2019, the untapped labour force potential in Switzerland comprised 818 000 persons, made up of 357 000 who were underemployed, 216 000 who were ILO unemployed and 245 000 persons who were part of the potential additional labour force (i.e. actively looking for work, but not immediately available, or vice-versa). The percentage of women was 63.1%.

Shortage of work

In 2019, 11.6% of economically active persons in Switzerland were affected by shortage of work. The work shortage rate consists of the underemployment rate (7.3%) and the unemployment rate based on the ILO definition (4.4%). The additional volume of work wished for by these persons corresponded to a total of 284 000 full-time equivalents (underemployed persons: 108 000 full-time equivalents; ILO unemployed persons: 175 000 full-time equivalents). At 16.1%, the work shortage rate of women is twice as high as that of men (7.7%).

Further information

Press releases

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Statistical sources and concepts

Surveys

Definitions