The progression of digitisation as well as changing demographic trends are some of the biggest challenges in the Swiss labour market, according to a study from the Adecco Group Switzerland and the University of Zurich.

The study focuses on skills shortages in Switzerland and found that, with the rapid progression of digitization as well as an ageing workforce, Switzerland could face a labour shortfall of around half a million workers by 2030.

Nicole Burth, CEO of Adecco Group Switzerland, commented, "It is therefore crucial for the Swiss economy to recognize at an early stage which professional groups are particularly affected by the shortage of skilled workers. Only in this way can business and politics take appropriate measures. That's why we are delighted to have developed an index in collaboration with the University of Zurich that shows the trends and developments in supply and demand for skilled workers.”

The index from the Adecco Group and the University of Zurich found that in the first quarter of 2018, the most sought after jobs were in the trust and fiduciary services (auditors, trustees, tax advisors, etc.). This was followed by skilled technicians (electrical, mechanical, etc.) and engineering (IT, electrical, etc.).

In the first quarter of 2018, technicians were the most sought-after in German-speaking Switzerland.

“It is very difficult for businesses to fill these vacancies,” Burth said. “Unfortunately, there are still too few women who have qualifications in mathematics, IT, natural sciences and engineering.”

In French and Italian-speaking Switzerland, staff for the trust and fiduciary services sector were the most in demand.