The head of the Swiss Employers’ Association has warned that Switzerland is facing a shortage of 700,000 workers in ten years’ time – and that immigration was key to plug the gap.
This content was published on
2 minutes
RTS/swissinfo.ch/Swiss media/swissinfo.ch/ilj
Português
pt
Suíça pode perder 700 mil trabalhadores em 10 anos
The numbers go further than previous estimates, among others made by Swiss bank UBS, Swiss public television RTS said on Friday.
The Swiss Employers’ Association’sExternal link Valentin Vogt said in a recent interview in the St Galler TagblattExternal link newspaper and other media outlets that over the next decade around one million babyboomers would retire, but that that there would only be 500,000 employees following on. There are also far more older people taking their pensions than young people coming into the labour market, he explained.
“We estimate that there will be 200,000 jobs created. But this means in ten years’ time we will have a shortage of 700,000 workers,” Vogt said.
Skilled workers
UBS has said that it expects the gapExternal link to be a maximum of 500,000 in ten year’s timeExternal link, which is about 10% of the working age population in 2030. Daniel Kalt, head economist at the bank, told RTS that most affected would be the technical professions. “IT workers, engineers, these are rare. In general, we are going to create a huge number of jobs which are normally done by women. Lots of manual workers, for example in the building trade, are going to have to change to care roles.”
Another survey, published in November 2019, also pointed the shortage of skilled workers becoming even more acute in Switzerland.
The Swiss Employers’ Association recognizes the importance of women on the labour market and has suggested that those working very part-time should up their work percentages where possible. But for now, – mindful of a forthcoming public vote on a right-wing proposal to limit immigration and cancel a deal with the European Union on the free movement of people – its main message is on immigration.
The association said it was imperative that the initiative was rejected by voters on May 17. There was no solution to the worker shortage without immigration, Vogt said.
The call comes as the Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) this week said that Switzerland was the world’s most attractive country for skilled workers.
More
More
Switzerland remains most attractive country for skilled workers
This content was published on
Switzerland continues to lead the world in talent competitiveness, having held the number one spot in an annual index since 2013.
Swiss price watchdog slams excessive prices for generic medicines
This content was published on
The cheapest generic medicines available in Switzerland are more than twice as expensive as in other countries, according to a study by the Swiss price watchdog.
Nature should not figure in net zero calculations: academic study
This content was published on
The natural removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by forests or oceans should not be included in the net-zero balance of climate protection measures, argue researchers.
This content was published on
None of the 15 major Swiss retail banks is meeting international climate and biodiversity targets, according to a ranking by WWF Switzerland.
This content was published on
Nestlé's new CEO Laurent Freixe, has presented plans for the future of the world's largest food company, after his first few weeks in office.
Swiss foreign minister calls on Moscow to end Ukraine war
This content was published on
It's high time Moscow ended its war against Ukraine, Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis tells the UN Security Council.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
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
Skilled worker shortage worsens in Switzerland
This content was published on
The shortage of skilled workers has become even more acute this year. Finding suitable engineers is particularly difficult.
This content was published on
Firms in Switzerland may benefit annually by over CHF3,000 ($3,000) per apprentice when they train their own apprentices, a report has found.
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.