Shoppers across Switzerland have started dumping plastic wrapping at supermarkets in protest at what they see as excessive plastic packaging. The practice, which started in at a Tesco in Keynsham near Bristol in the UK in March – see video below, has spread around the world. Groups, such as Naries, the association behind a plastic […]
Geneva airport advises against travel on 21 June
On 21 June 2018, the pope will be at the Palexpo convention centre next to Geneva Airport. Because of this and the security accompanying it the airport warns that “access to the airport is not guaranteed” and recommends avoiding it unless absolutely necessary. The airport says that road access and parking will be very heavily […]
Swiss vote to block unauthorized gambling websites set to pass
A vote on 10 June 2018 on a plan to shake up gambling in Switzerland has widespread support, according to a recent poll run by gfs.bern and reported by RTS. The plan aims to update existing laws on gambling in Switzerland. Among the changes are the removal of taxation on winnings up to one million […]
No relief for Swiss renters
Every three months the rate of interest used to set Swiss rents is reviewed. If it goes down some renters have the right to request a decrease in rent. This time it remained at 1.50%. The last time it dropped was 1 June 2017 when it fell to its lowest level since 2008. The rate […]
House prices down in Verbier but up in some other Swiss resorts
A recent report published by UBS shows real estate price changes in european mountain resorts. Over the last year, Verbier (-3.2%) and Crans Montana (-3.0%) experienced the largest price declines, while Saas Fee (+14.3%) and St. Moritz (+7.4%) climbed the most. Prices rises in the Jungfrau region (+4.8%) Gstaad (+1.5%), Flims/Laax (+2.8%), Andermatt (+1.5%), Zermatt […]
Not long ago most people over 65 were working
Universal retirement at a set age is a relatively modern concept. In 1900, 54% of French and 58% of Germans over 65 were working, according data presented by Dr. Marco Salvi of the Swiss think tank Avenir Suisse. In some countries, such as the US, Japan and Iceland, there were relatively high numbers of older […]
Unemployment benefits for reduced hours no longer justified by strong Swiss franc
In January 2015, when the Swiss National Bank stopped its attempt to keep the Swiss franc to Euro exchange rate at 1.20, the Swiss currency quickly rose beyond parity. To soften the economic shock, Switzerland’s government allowed working hours to be extended with no extra pay and working hours and pay to be cut. Employees […]
Most Swiss for neutrality and against EU membership
An annual survey on security by ETH in Zurich reveals widespread support Switzerland’s neutrality. Since 2015, support for the principle of neutrality has remained constant at 95%. 85% feel neutrality is inseparable from the Swiss concept of the state and 60% think Switzerland’s armed neutrality contributes to security and stability in Europe. In addition, 94% […]
Switzerland – jobs that must soon be offered to locals first
From 1 July 2018, Swiss employers must present certain jobs to unemployed workers in Switzerland before offering them to foreigners. The requirement kicks in when unemployment for particular job types reaches 8% – this threshold will fall to 5% on 1 January 2020. Last week, the list of jobs with unemployment of 8% or more […]
Pay in Zurich and Geneva highest in the world
A survey of the cost of living in 77 cities, by UBS, ranks Zurich (1st) and Geneva (2nd) as the most expensive. But while these cities are the most expensive, their workers are also the highest paid. In Zurich, less than five days pay affords an iPhone X. In Geneva, the same device requires less […]
