Swiss Unemployment Drops to 2.8% in Strong Labor Market

Switzerland's labor market demonstrated remarkable resilience as the unemployment rate dropped to 2.8% in April 2025, according to the latest data from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). This decrease from the previous month's 2.9% reflects the continued strength of the Swiss economy despite global economic uncertainties. The number of registered unemployed persons fell by 2,468 to 130,101, marking a significant improvement in the country's employment situation.

The latest employment statistics paint a comprehensive picture of Switzerland's labor market strength. The total number of job seekers decreased by 3,315 compared to March, with the job seeker rate falling to 4.5%. Available vacancies stood at 40,887, with approximately 60% of these positions subject to mandatory reporting requirements. Short-time work measures continued to decrease, with February figures showing 9,447 people affected, representing a 29% reduction from January.

The Swiss labor market continues to demonstrate exceptional stability, with the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate holding steady at 2.8%. This performance is particularly noteworthy given the global economic challenges. The reduction in short-time work arrangements, with company departments affected falling by 21% to 524, indicates growing business confidence and economic stability. The high proportion of positions subject to mandatory reporting requirements suggests continued demand for skilled workers in sectors experiencing specific labor shortages.

Regional employment centres (RAV) across Switzerland report varying levels of improvement, with seasonal factors continuing to influence certain sectors such as construction and hospitality. The overall trend suggests a well-distributed recovery across the country's regions. Looking ahead, the strong labor market performance, coupled with decreasing short-time work numbers, indicates positive momentum for the Swiss economy, though authorities remain vigilant about global economic developments that could impact the country's labor market.