Switzerland may be under-reporting its unemployment numbers compared to the international norm.
The International Labour Office defines unemployment as some one who isn’t working but says they can take a suitable job with 2 weeks or less notice. Many other countries use the similar method.
But Switzerland only counts those who are claiming unemployment benefits, which expire. So, when someone who isn’t working and no longer entitled to payments, they drop out of the numbers.
Currently, the official Swiss unemployment rate is 2.3%, but using the more internationally accepted method, it’s close to 4.2%.
In Geneva, the numbers are even more sharp. Officially the rate is 4.3%, but the ILO method suggests it could be as high as 10%.
Switzerland’s economic outlook remains cautious, with the KOF Swiss Economic Institute forecasting growth of around one percent in 2026,although that depends on falling oil prices.
Heavy traffic is expected across Switzerland over the Easter holiday period, particularly on the A2 Gotthard autoroute and the A13 San Bernardino route from March 27.