The Swiss labour market – and particularly export-oriented industries like pharmaceuticals and watch manufacturing – is under pressure due to the hefty US tariffs. But many companies keep hiring nevertheless.
If no better trade deal is struck with the US administration, the 39-percent tariffs could significantly weaken Switzerland’s economy – according to KOF Economic Institute, 19,000 people working in sectors that export heavily to the United States could become unemployed by 2026.
“Although many companies severely affected by the US tariff shock are temporarily allowed to implement short-time work, an increase in unemployment is to be expected in the coming quarters,” KOF said.
In its latest job report, the labour market research institute x28 shows where job vacancies are currently being advertised and in which sectors companies are actively recruiting new personnel.
This is where the chances of finding a job are greatest
Cantons of Obwalden (33.66), Lucerne (32.07), Graubünden (30.83), (and Zurich (29.64) are next.
In contrast, there are very few vacancies in Ticino, with 4.64 advertised positions per 1,000 residents, as well as in Vaud (9.76), and Geneva (9.27).
Which sectors are recruiting new employees?
Nursing professionals are by far most in demand across all regions – with 5,735 positions currently advertised.
Close behind are electricians: 5,353 jobs are available in this sector.
Next, 3,423 vacancies are advertised in retail, followed by carpenters (3,152) and health care aides (3,109).
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Which companies are looking to hire?
The study shows that retail chains are most in need of new personnel.
Coop is currently recruiting by by far most employees – 374, followed by Lidl (86).
Then there is the newspaper delivery service Presto Presse-Vertriebs AG, which wants to hire 80 people.
Among the more interesting recruiters is CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, which is looking for 33 new employees.
