Economic growth requires greater inclusiveness
(02.02.2022) Switzerland would benefit from a greater involvement of women and seniors in its labour market in order to accelerate the recovery of its economy. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), salaries of women in full-time employment in Switzerland are on average 19% lower than those of men.
The Swiss labour market is resilient in the face of the pandemic and is performing relatively well overall, with a comparatively low unemployment rate. The OECD warns in its report, howeer, the gender wage gap is one of the highest in the organization's member countries and is likely to widen further as a result of the pandemic. Furthermore, 45% of women work part-time compared to 25% in the rest of the OECD countries.
This figure could be reduced by improving childcare. Providing childcare facilities should be a priority, says the OECD. In 2018, only half of three- to five-year-olds were enrolled in childcare, compared with the OECD average of 87%. Revising legislation on household taxation could also improve the situation.
The economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic has weakened the position of older workers. The OECD notes a worrying rise in unemployment among 55-64 year olds. This age group is the most threatened by long-term unemployment. Pension reform and targeted policies to support older workers in their job search and retraining could improve the situation, the organization says.