Swiss watch sector jobs up for first time in years
The workforce of Switzerland's watchmaking sector has grown for the first time in four years. At the end of September 2018, the industry's workforce stood at 57,812 workers, an increase of 2,868 jobs or 5.2% compared to 2017.
The increase reflects the overall growth of Swiss watch exports in 2018 (+6.3%).
“The sector has almost compensated, in terms of personnel, for the losses suffered in recent years. Despite this good result, caution is still required,” says the Employers’ Agreement of the Swiss watch industry (CP) on Monday when presenting its annual census.
Most of the jobs created related to production staff (+2,691 or +7.0%). The watchmaking industry also clocked a slight increase in the number of managers (+152) and administrative staff (+35).
The number of home-based staff fell by 10 units (-7.8%). “This development is not very significant, as home work is carried out by only about a hundred people,” says the CP. The proportion of workers with a trades diploma increased by 5.7%, now representing 46.9% of the total workforce.
The top three watchmaking cantons in terms of number of employees remain Neuchâtel (15,289), Berne (12,228) and Geneva (10,077). Formed by these three cantons as well as Jura, Vaud and Solothurn, the “Watchmaking Arc” is home to 53,075 workers (nearly 92% of the total workforce).
The number of watchmaking companies in Switzerland has increased by 3.3% since the last census (694 compared to 672), mainly thanks to the opening of new points of sale, according to the CP.
More
More
Mixed outlook for Swiss watchmakers
This content was published on
The Swiss watchmaking industry expects a continuing rise in exports next year but is concerned that the US protectionist trade policy.
Should raw milk sales be banned or should consumers decide?
Swiss food regulations do not allow raw milk to be sold for direct consumption. However, a loophole allows 400 raw milk vending machines to do just that.
Is reforming the Swiss pension system still possible, and if so, how?
Solutions still need to be found to meet the challenge of an ageing population and to improve the pensions of low-paid workers, the majority of whom are women.
This content was published on
Czech President Petr Pavel and his wife, Eva Pavlova, arrived in Switzerland on Tuesday at the start of a two-day state visit.
Study shows proliferation of non-native plants is driver of insect invasions
This content was published on
A global study has revealed that insect invasions are being driven by the proliferation of non-native plants. This can can massively disrupt ecological processes, often leading to serious economic impacts.
Swiss set record for world’s longest hyperloop test
This content was published on
Swiss scientists have established a record for the longest-ever hyperloop journey at a facility in Lausanne, Switzerland.
This content was published on
The Swiss army wants to purchase new German armoured howitzers to replace its existing artillery system which has been in operation for over 50 years.
Poll suggests Donald Trump has many fans in Switzerland
This content was published on
Around a quarter of Swiss citizens would vote for Donald Trump if they had the chance, according to a recent poll. This percentage is higher than in many other European countries.
Swiss court rejects special assistance for student with disabilities
This content was published on
The Swiss Federal Court has rejected an application for special assistance from a student with disabilities at the federal technology institute ETH Zurich.
Police arrest 15 drug dealers in Verbier in southern Switzerland
This content was published on
Swiss and French police have arrested 15 suspected drug dealers operating in the mountain resort of Verbier in southern Switzerland.
New European space tech centre in Switzerland launches its first project
This content was published on
The European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI), launched in collaboration with the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), is to be located in the immediate vicinity of the PSI in northern Switzerland.
Swiss Federal Railways launches campaign for safety on public transport
This content was published on
The Swiss Federal Railways is launching a campaign for greater respect and safety on public transport, with posters to go up in stations and on trains starting next week.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Start-ups out to conquer the watchmaking world
This content was published on
With several traditional watchmakers not in attendance, Baselworld has this year launched a platform to showcase industry start-ups.
Swiss watchmaking presented for UNESCO recognition
This content was published on
Swiss watch-making know-how spans craftsmanship from Geneva to Schaffhausen along the Jura mountain range that divides Switzerland from France. The manufacture of automatons and music boxes in the St. Croix region is also part of the package, the Federal Office of Culture said on Monday. Several craftspeople, companies, schools, museums and associations transmit these techniques…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.