Underemployment, potential labour force, NEET

Labour force potential

In the 4th quarter of 2023, the untapped labour force potential in Switzerland comprised 685 000 persons, made up of 257 000 who were underemployed, 201 000 who were ILO unemployed and 227 000 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 59.6%.

Shortage of work

In the 4th quarter of 2023, 9.0% of economically active persons in Switzerland were affected by shortage of work. The work shortage rate consists of the underemployment rate (5.0%) and the unemployment rate based on the ILO definition (3.9%). The additional volume of work wished for by these persons corresponded to a total of 246 000 full-time equivalents (underemployed persons: 87 000 full-time equivalents; ILO unemployed persons: 159 000 full-time equivalents). At 11.5%, the work shortage rate of women is almost twice as high as that of men (6.7%).

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Federal Statistical Office Section Labour Force
Espace de l'Europe 10
CH-2010 Neuchâtel
Switzerland
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+41 58 463 64 00

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