Unemployment increase August 2026: +1.6% per month, +7.1% per year (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Unemployment increase in August 2026: +1.6% per month, +7.1% per year
• Unemployment rate stable at 3.0%
• Unemployed youth increased by 19.4% per month

Key facts

• What: Labour market situation August 2026
• When: 7 September 2026
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Dry
• Amount:141,544 total unemployed

SECO has published data on the labour market in Switzerland for the month of August 2026. The number of unemployed increased by 2’268 units (+1.6%) compared to the previous month, bringing the total to 141’544 people. Compared to the same month of the previous year, the number of unemployed increased by 9,439 units (+7.1%). The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.0%.

Seasonally adjusted unemployment

The seasonally adjusted number of unemployed increased by 49 units (+0.0%) compared to the previous month, reaching a total of 147,970 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.1%.

Analysis and Impact

The increase in the unemployed was particularly evident among young people, with an increase of 19.4% compared to the previous month. This worrying trend could be attributed to various factors, including the end of seasonal contracts in the tourism and hotel sector, which is an economic mainstay in regions such as Canton Ticino and Canton Valais.

Operational Checklist for Local Authorities

1. Sectoral Monitoring: Local authorities should

Operational details

Unemployment increase August 2026: +1.6% per month, +7.1% per year

Youth unemployment

The number of young unemployed (15-24 years) increased by 2’384 units (+19.4%) compared to the previous month, reaching a total of 14’678 people. Compared to the same month last year, this corresponds to an increase of 996 people (+7.3%). The youth unemployment rate increased by 0.6 percentage points compared to the previous month, reaching 3.4%.

"Youth unemployment is an issue that requires immediate attention," said the Minister of Labour, stressing the importance of training and job placement programmes.

Elderly Unemployment

The number of elderly unemployed (50-64 years) decreased by 62 units (-0.2%) compared to the previous month, bringing the total to 38,683. Compared to the same month last year, this corresponds to an increase of 2,835 people (+7.9%). The unemployment rate for older workers remained at 2.7%, unchanged from the previous month.

# Job seekers

In August 2026, a total of 227,248 jobseekers were registered, 48 more than the previous month (+0.0%). Compared to the same month last year, this corresponds to an increase of 18,158 people (+8.7%). The rate of job seekers remained unchanged at 4.8%.

Vacancies

Net of changes

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

Exhaustion of the Right to Unemployment Benefit

According to data available at the end of August 2026, the number of people who exhausted their right to unemployment benefit in June 2026 was 2,718. This represents 65 more people (+2.5%) compared to May 2026. This increase is particularly evident in the Canton of Zurich, where the number of people without the right to benefit grew by 3.5%, from 850 to 880. In the Canton of Geneva, the increase was 2%, with 350 people exhausting their right to benefit.

Short-Time Work

According to data available at the end of August 2026, in May 2026, 8,331 people were affected by short-time work, 1,530 fewer (-15.5%) than in April 2026, over a three-month registration period. From the three-month registration period, it appears that 79 fewer sectors (-11.7%) were involved compared to April 2026, for a total of 599. The manufacturing sector saw a significant reduction in short-time work, with 450 fewer people than in April. The services sector also recorded a decrease, with 350 fewer people.

What to Do

If you are a job seeker, it is important to stay updated on available job opportunities and unemployment policies. You can use the salary calculator to evaluate your options and plan your professional future. Additionally, it is advisable to consult the resources available at the URC for support and guidance.

Conclusion

The labor market situation in Switzerland for the month of August 2026 shows an increase in the number of unemployed, with significant variations between young and old. It is crucial to stay informed and use the available tools to navigate this phase effectively.

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