What are the rights of a dismissed employee in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, dismissed employees are entitled to comply with the notice terms set out in the contract or by law. The dismissal must have a justified economic or personal cause. Manor has promised a 'social plan' with individual support, although specific details are not yet public. Employees may register with the employment office within 7 days of termination for unemployment benefit (AD).

What is a 'social plan' and what does it typically include?

A social plan is a voluntary commitment of the company towards employees affected by dismissal. It typically includes transition advice, assistance in finding new work, possible additional exit allowances, and psychological support. Manor has not disclosed specific details, but employees will receive an official communication with all the information within the next few weeks.

Where and how do I register for unemployment benefit?

As an employee in Basel-City, you must register with the employment office competent for the canton of Basel-City within 7 days of the termination of the employment relationship. This is a federal requirement to access unemployment insurance (AD). The office will provide you with all the information on the periods of perception and the services available.

How many Manor employees have been laid off in Basel?

Manor has laid off 38 office workers at its headquarters in Basel. These are administrative staff, not in-store sales. The company has stated that it will support employees through a social plan and individual assistance during the transition.

In which canton is the Manor headquarters located and what are the job opportunities?

Manor's head office is located in Basel, in the canton of Basel-City. This canton has a dynamic labour market, especially in the pharmaceutical, chemical and services sectors, which could facilitate the relocation of dismissed employees. The Federal Statistical Office (FSO/SBB) and SECO monitor national employment dynamics.

Manor dismisses 38 employees at its headquarters in Basel (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 26 August 2026

Modern office building in Basel with contemporary architecture

Manor dismisses 38 office workers in Basel. The company promises a social plan and individual support. What to do if you are among those affected.

Context

In a nutshell

Manor dismisses 38 office workers at its headquarters in Basel
Support through 'social plan' and individual assistance
Reorganization towards economic efficiency and sustainability

Key facts

What: Dismissal of office employees at headquarters
Where: Basel, Manor headquarters
Who: Manor (Swiss chain of department stores)
Number: 38 employees
Support: Social plan and individual support promised

The news from the Basel headquarters

The Swiss chain Manor dismisses 38 office workers at its headquarters in Basel. A company spokeswoman confirmed the information to the Keystone-SDA agency on Wednesday.

The company claims to address layoffs “in a socially responsible manner with a social plan and individual support.” Manor is orienting the headquarters "in a sustainable, economical and efficient way", according to the spokeswoman.

The downsizing is part of a broader strategy to “reinforce responsibilities” and “simplify selected facilities” at the Basel site.

Context: the challenges of Swiss retail

The retail sector in Switzerland is undergoing a profound transformation. E-commerce has accelerated the adaptation of traditional department stores, forcing them to rethink organisational models and operational structures. Manor, like other national chains, is managing a delicate transition

Operational details

Employee Rights and Protections: Implications

In Switzerland, termination is regulated by federal labour law and any more stringent cantonal provisions. Employees dismissed by Manor are entitled to specific protections provided by the Code of Obligations (CO).

A termination in Switzerland must respect specific notice periods, which vary depending on the type of contract and the duration of the employment relationship. The notice must comply with the periods established by contract and by law. Furthermore, employers cannot make arbitrary dismissals: the reason must be economically and socially justified.

The 'social plan' announced by Manor is part of a common practice in Swiss corporate reorganizations. Although not legally mandatory in all cases, a social plan represents a voluntary commitment by the company to affected employees, typically including support measures such as counselling, job search assistance, possible additional severance benefits, and psychological support.

The Labour Market and Relocation Opportunities

Employment data in Switzerland are monitored by the Federal Statistical Office (UST/BFS) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The Swiss unemployment rate remains historically low compared to other European countries, which can facilitate the relocation of the 38 affected employees. The canton of Basel-Stadt, where Manor's headquarters is located, offers a dynamic labour market thanks to the strong presence of companies in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and services sectors, representing an opportunity for employees to find alternative employment.

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Key points

What to Do If You're an Affected Employee

If you are among the 38 employees laid off by Manor in Basel, the first actions to take are concrete and timely.

First of all, carefully read the company communication: Manor should provide a clear written notice with details of the layoff, notice periods, the effective termination date, and details of the promised social plan. Verify your contractual rights: if you have an individual contract, check the clauses related to notice periods and severance pay. If you are part of a collective labor agreement (CLA), verify any additional rights that may apply.

Contact Manor's Human Resources department directly to understand exactly what support measures are available and how to access them. This communication is crucial for planning the next steps.

Federal Procedure: Unemployment Registration

A mandatory step is registering with the regional employment office of the Canton of Basel-Stadt. In Switzerland, anyone who is unemployed must register within 7 days of losing their job in order to receive unemployment benefits (UI), if eligible. The benefit covers a percentage of your previous salary and represents an economic safety net during your job search.

Prepare your job search materials: update your resume and LinkedIn profile, reflect on your transferable skills, and define the sector or roles you intend to pursue. Use the available job search services to explore offers consistent with your professional profile.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rights of a dismissed employee in Switzerland?: In Switzerland, dismissed employees are entitled to comply with the notice terms set out in the contract or by law. The dismissal must have a justified economic or personal cause. Manor has promised a 'social plan' with individual support, although specific details are not yet public. Employees may register with the employment office within 7 days of termination for unemployment benefit (AD).
What is a 'social plan' and what does it typically include?: A social plan is a voluntary commitment of the company towards employees affected by dismissal. It typically includes transition advice, assistance in finding new work, possible additional exit allowances, and psychological support. Manor has not disclosed specific details, but employees will receive an official communication with all the information within the next few weeks.
Where and how do I register for unemployment benefit?: As an employee in Basel-City, you must register with the employment office competent for the canton of Basel-City within 7 days of the termination of the employment relationship. This is a federal requirement to access unemployment insurance (AD). The office will provide you with all the information on the periods of perception and the services available.
How many Manor employees have been laid off in Basel?: Manor has laid off 38 office workers at its headquarters in Basel. These are administrative staff, not in-store sales. The company has stated that it will support employees through a social plan and individual assistance during the transition.
In which canton is the Manor headquarters located and what are the job opportunities?: Manor's head office is located in Basel, in the canton of Basel-City. This canton has a dynamic labour market, especially in the pharmaceutical, chemical and services sectors, which could facilitate the relocation of dismissed employees. The Federal Statistical Office (FSO/SBB) and SECO monitor national employment dynamics.