If you lose your job through no choice of your own, the first sensation you will experience is fear. You feel powerless and disappointed and frequently panic about how you are going to manage, which understandable. However, unemployment need not be the end of the world. If you take the right course of action following the initial shock, you can be sure of financial and emotional support.

As soon as you are handed your notice

If your employer informs you that you are to lose your job, make sure that the period of notice is complied with. This is normally laid down in your contract. The provision contained in the contract must comply with the minimum requirements of contract law and possibly also be subject to the terms of a collective employment agreement. There are also situations where special termination protection exists, such as during illness, pregnancy or military service. If your employer fails to comply with contractual notice, inform it in writing that you would like to continue working until the proper date of termination.

Also request a reference or at least confirmation that you worked there during your period of employment. This document serves as a "calling card" for future appointments, so you should insist upon it.

Thirdly, it is important to use the period of time after receiving your notice to look for a job. The regional job centre (RAV) can also help you in this respect – register with them. Become active and make applications. Keep an account of all your letters, job offers and rejections. These documents need to be shown to the regional job centre in order to qualify for unemployment benefit. Moreover, your employer is also required to grant you time to attend job interviews.
 
If you choose to leave your job or lose it through your own fault, you will have to bear in mind that you will not receive unemployment benefit for a certain period of time.

The period of unemployment

In order to qualify for unemployment support, you have to register with either the local authority or with the regional job centre. Do this as early as possible, no later than on the first day from which you need financial support. In order to register, you need the following documentation with you, in particular:

When you register, the adviser will explain the ongoing process. The regional job centre will also invite you to attend an information day. You will then have your first meeting with your job centre adviser.

Another important point to remember is that you will continue to be insured against accidents outside the workplace with the Swiss Accident Insurance Agency (SUVA) for as long as you fulfill the criteria for claiming unemployment benefit. Ask the regional job centre for information about when the insurance cover starts and finishes.

Unemployment insurance (ALV)

Unemployment insurance protects people who are not self-employed. Your monthly premium for unemployment insurance is deducted at source from your wages. The purpose of this insurance is to reimburse people with insurance cover in the event that they lose their income.

Unemployment insurance benefits are based on the insured earnings. This is generally calculated on the basis of the last six or twelve months' income. A daily allowance is then calculated from the insured income depending on your personal situation. This can be up to 70 or 80% of your insured income. The unemployment insurance scheme pays the daily allowances.

Further Information

Job-area (seco/RAV)

SUVA 

Information from the Federal Government
 
Publicjob– The Swiss employment portal