Welfare cases in Switzerland drop despite Covid pandemic
People waiting for food in a queue outside Geneva's ice-hockey stadium - such pictures are unusual in Switzerland and caused media furore.
Keystone/Martial Trezzini
The number of welfare cases in Switzerland dropped slightly last year despite the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a leading organisation for social aid.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/urs
Español
es
Decrece el número de casos sociales pese a la pandemia
Other reasons are the government measures to help individuals and companies hard hit by pandemic-related restrictions, notably extended unemployment benefits as well as compensation payments.
However, the organisation warned that the decline in cases is temporary, as experts expect an increasing number of long-term unemployed people and the end of the government’s Covid aid programmes.
There could be an increase of up to 14% by the end of next year, it said.
Regional differences
In 2021 the number of welfare cases dropped 1.4% compared with 2019, said the organisation, which comprises representatives of federal, cantonal and local authorities as well as the private sector.
About 268,000 people claimed welfare benefits last year, down from 271,000 in 2020.
There were considerable regional differences, the organisations said. More cases were reported notably in Geneva and Lucerne, two cities where the tourism sector suffered a sharp decline.
Popular Stories
More
Culture
Wealth is not all: how gentrification in Zurich has led to housing shortage
Swisscom receives greenlight for acquisition of Vodafone Italia
This content was published on
The takeover of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom is nearing completion. All relevant authorities have now approved the €8 billion (CHF7.45 billion) deal.
Novo Nordisk stock market plunge drags down Swiss device maker Ypsomed
This content was published on
The Danish pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, faced setbacks on Friday that weighed on the share price of Swiss injection device manufacturer Ypsomed.
Swiss press react to EU deal with mix of euphoria and scepticism
This content was published on
Swiss media reaction to the agreement between Switzerland and the EU varies widely. Some are celebrating, while others worry about what is to come.
Swiss Solidarity donations to tackle child abuse top CHF4 million
This content was published on
Swiss Solidarity, the humanitarian arm of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), has raised over CHF4 million ($4.3 million) to tackle child abuse.
EU Commission president says Swiss-EU deal is ‘historic’ agreement
This content was published on
At a joint media conference with Swiss President Viola Amherd in Bern, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke of a "day of joy".
Switzerland and EU reach deal on future bilateral relations
This content was published on
Switzerland and the European Union have announced a political agreement to update their trading relationship after almost a decade of difficult talks.
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
How the coronavirus hurts the socially marginalised in Switzerland
This content was published on
The coronavirus crisis is exacerbating social inequality in Switzerland, experts say. This in turn can become a threat to democracy itself.
Thousands more Swiss residents claim welfare due to Covid-19
This content was published on
Nearly 8,300 Swiss residents have been forced to claim welfare benefits in Switzerland since the beginning of the pandemic.
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.