The registered unemployment rate in Switzerland has risen to 3.8% in January 2015 from 3.7% in December 2015 marking the fourth month in a row that it has increased and its highest level in nearly six years, according to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

The data showed that there were 163,644 registered as unemployed in January with the regional employment centers (RAV), 5,015 more than in the previous month. 

A total of 222,751 jobseekers were registered in January, 2,542 more than the last month. Compared to the same period last year this figure rose thus to 16,613 persons (+8.1%).

Meanwhile, the youth unemployment rate (15 to 24 years) increased by 558 persons (+2.7%) to 21,180. Compared with the previous month, this represents an increase of 1,669 persons (+8.6%).