Document U1: What you need to know to claim unemployment benefit

Unemployment in Switzerland

As you are no doubt aware, the job market in Switzerland is particularly buoyant! Opportunities abound, and high salaries attract large numbers of foreign workers, both graduates and non-graduates alike. As a result, the unemployment rate is particularly low: it currently stands at around 2%, its lowest level in 20 years. Switzerland thus prides itself on having one of the most stable job markets in Europe. However, whilst working in Switzerland, you may occasionally find yourself facing periods of unemployment, for example between jobs, or if your contract in Switzerland ends or you have been made redundant. So, how can you claim unemployment benefits after working in Switzerland? Here is the procedure to follow.

Dismissal and resignation in Switzerland

As a reminder, employment law in Switzerland differs from that in France. It is important to note that in Switzerland, an employer may dismiss an employee without cause. The notice periods are as follows: 

• 7 days if the employee is still on probation
• 1 month if they are in their first year of employment 
• 2 months if they have between 2 and 9 years’ service
• 3 months after 9 years’ service

As regards an employee’s resignation, the notice periods are the same as in the case of dismissal.

What steps should you take after being made redundant or completing an employment contract in Switzerland?

Procedures in France

What is the procedure to follow if you are a cross-border worker and your employment contract in Switzerland is terminated? In the event of redundancy in Switzerland (i.e. full unemployment), the employee relies on their country of residence for benefits. If the eligibility criteria are met, the unemployment benefits available in France as a cross-border worker are the same as those the worker would have received whilst working in France. They must therefore apply in France through Pôle Emploi and register online from the first day following the end of their Swiss contract in order to claim their benefits. 

Furthermore, if you are receiving unemployment benefits, you will no longer be covered by the Swiss health insurance scheme. You will therefore be required to re-register with the social security system through the local health insurance fund in your place of residence.

Please note that in the event of short-time working, it is the country of employment – in this case, Switzerland – that will pay the employee’s compensation.

Procedures in Switzerland

In Switzerland, you must request the PD U1 form. The U1 form details the periods of insurance and employment (whether as an employee or self-employed) that are taken into account when calculating unemployment benefits. You can obtain it from a cantonal unemployment insurance fund or a recognised trade union fund. You will need to provide several documents: 

• The application for the PD U1 form 
• The original copy of your employer’s international certificate, dated, stamped and signed (if you are employed on a temporary contract, the employment agency must provide you with a record of your assignments).
• A copy of your employment contract 
• A copy of your letter of dismissal, resignation, or proof that your contract has ended
• Copies of your last 6 payslips 
• A copy of your ID card or passport 
• A copy of your AVS card (health insurance card)

The U1 form (also known as PD U1 and, formerly, e301) is essential, as it serves as proof of periods of insurance or employment in Switzerland. It will be crucial in claiming your entitlement to unemployment benefits.
When your employment contract in Switzerland ends, make sure you update your status with organisations such as the pension fund (for your second pillar or LPP), health insurance (LAMal) or family allowance funds.

Finding work in Switzerland

Do you live in Switzerland, or are you looking for work in Switzerland again? Head to your local employment office (ORP). This government agency is dedicated to supporting the unemployed. It publishes job vacancies and helps jobseekers to develop and showcase their skills, as well as supporting them in their job search.

How much is the unemployment benefit after working in Switzerland?

According to Unedic, cross-border workers receive higher benefits on average than claimants who have lost their jobs in France. This seems logical, given how high Swiss wages are compared to those in France. How is the amount of the benefit calculated? It amounts to 57% of the average of the last 24 or 36 months’ gross Swiss salary, converted into euros (using a currency converter, such as the Swiss franc to euro converter from b-sharpe).

The U1 form is intended for unemployed people (particularly those who have been made redundant) who are applying for benefits in a European Union Member State other than the one in which they worked. For cross-border workers in Switzerland who are unemployed, it is extremely useful, and indeed essential, as it certifies the periods they have worked in Switzerland. It will therefore enable them to claim their benefits in France! Once you have applied to your unemployment insurance fund in Switzerland and provided the few required documents, you will receive this invaluable document! Processing times are generally quite quick, taking around a week.