⏱ 1 min read
Background
Given the difficulties in watchmaking, the maximum compensation period for reduced working hours (RHT), or short-time work, had been temporarily extended to 24 months. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) has announced a return to normal.
The key points
The Federal Council wants to reduce the duration of short-time work compensation from 24 to 12 months, in stages. Federal experts consider the economic outlook favourable to a gradual return to normal, ArcInfo reports.
On Tuesday 27 October 2026, the Employers' Association of the Swiss Watch Industry, which brings together watchmaking and microtechnology employers, said it “takes note, without surprise” of this decision.
Key figures
- 24 months : current maximum duration of short-time work compensation, on a temporary basis
- 12 months : duration targeted by the Federal Council
What it means for businesses
- Watch companies : the short-time work compensation period will be gradually reduced.
Who says what
- Ludovic Voillat (Secretary General of the Employers' Association): the extension to 24 months was “a very important tool” for preserving jobs.
