Dry labour market: 3% unemployment in July 2026

Context

In brief

• 7.8% increase in unemployed persons year-on-year
• Unemployment rate at 3% in July 2026
• 45,156 job vacancies registered with regional employment centers (RAV/URC)

Key facts

• What: Swiss labor market surveys
• When: July 2026
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
• Amount: 3% unemployment rate

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO has published the official surveys regarding the labor market situation in Switzerland for the month of July 2026. Compared to the same month of the previous year, the number of unemployed persons increased by 10,122, registering a percentage growth of 7.8%. In July 2026, the unemployment rate increased by 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous month, settling exactly at 3.0%. Analyzing the seasonally adjusted data, the number of unemployed persons increased by 959, equal to a 0.7% increase compared to the previous month, reaching a total of 148,002 people. In the same period, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.1%. These data provide a detailed overview of national employment trends, highlighting the variations affecting different age groups and various Swiss productive sectors.

Analysis by age group and category

Delving into the data published by SECO for July 2026, specific dynamics emerge regarding young people and older workers. The number of young unemployed people, aged between 15 and 24, increased by 547 units, marking a 4.7% increase and bringing the total to 12,294 people. Compared to the same month of the previous year, this category records an increase of 798 people, equal to 6.9%. The youth unemployment rate in July 2026 increased by 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous month, reaching 2.8%. Regarding older workers, identified in the age group between 50 and 64, the number of unemployed increased by 109 units, equal to 0.3% compared to the previous month, for a total value of 38,745 people. Comparing this figure with the same month of the previous year, an increase of 3,105 people is noted, corresponding to 8.7%. In July 2026, the unemployment rate of older workers stood at 2.7%, recording an increase of 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous month. At the same time, the total number of job seekers registered was 227,200, with an increase of 1,409 people compared to the previous month, equal to 0.6%. Compared to the previous year, the increase in job seekers is 17,759 units, or 8.5%. The job seekers rate remained stable at 4.8% in July 2026. Net of seasonal variations, job seekers increased by 2,281 units (+1%) compared to the previous month, reaching 238,134, while the corresponding seasonally adjusted rate remained unchanged at 5.0%.

Operational details

The analysis of the data provided by SECO for the month of July 2026 also allows for a careful examination of the situation regarding job vacancies and the phenomenon of short-time work in Switzerland. In detail, the job vacancies announced at the ORCs in July 2026 amounted to 45,156, registering a decrease of 2,088 units compared to the previous month, equal to -4.4%. Of these, 29,738 positions, representing 65.9% of the total, are subject to the notification obligation. Compared to the same period of the previous year, there is an increase of 5,351 job vacancies, equal to 13.4%. Net of seasonal variations, for the month of July 2026 there is a decrease in job vacancies equal to 275 units, or -0.6% compared to the previous month, for a total of 43,244. Regarding the exhaustion of the right to unemployment benefits, the data available at the end of July 2026 indicate that the persons who exhausted this right in May 2026 were 2,629. This is 46 more people, equal to an increase of 1.8% compared to April 2026. Due to the payment practice, unemployment fund data relating to the exhaustion of rights and short-time work are published with a delay of two to three months and may be subject to subsequent changes.

The short-time work sector

Another significant element emerging from the surveys concerns the recourse to short-time work. According to the data available at the end of July 2026, in April 2026 the people affected by short-time work were 9,782, registering a decrease of 328 people, equal to -3.2% compared to the month of March 2026, against a registration period of three months. From the same registration period, it appears that the business sectors involved are 41 less, with a reduction of -5.7% compared to March 2026, for a total of 673 sectors affected. Experience shows that short-time work recorded after three months stands at around 75 percent of the provisional total. These data highlight how the Swiss labor market is facing various cyclical dynamics, reflecting economic fluctuations in the different productive sectors and offering a useful framework for monitoring employment stability at the national level.

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

Regular consultation of data published by SECO is a fundamental tool for understanding the evolution of the Swiss labour market, offering workers, businesses and economic operators valuable indicators on employment trends. Those facing a situation of professional transition or unemployment in Switzerland must carefully follow the procedures established by the Regional URC Placement Offices, strictly respecting the deadlines and obligations of active job search provided for by federal legislation. It is essential to register promptly with the URC of territorial competence to activate the practices related to unemployment benefits and access the support and professional reintegration services offered on Swiss territory.

Support procedures and tools

In order to better manage your employment and social security position in Switzerland, you should carefully check your contribution situation, taking into account compulsory social deductions and benefits provided by unemployment funds. The use of financial planning and pay simulation tools allows you to accurately assess the impact of any contractual changes or periods of inactivity on your income. To deepen your economic situation, estimate your net income or calculate applicable taxes, clicca qui per accedere al calcolatore stipendio e imposte.

Source: seco.admin.ch