More job cuts are announced in Switzerland; Swiss rents are reasonable in international comparison; and more news in our roundup this Monday.
More jobs are to be cut in Switzerland
Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda plans to eliminate 280 jobs at its European headquarters in Opfikon, Zurich.
The measure is part of a global cost-cutting programme aimed at saving the company around 1 billion francs. No exact dates for the layoffs have been given.
With this latest wave of redundancies, thousands of employees will lose their jobs in Switzerland in 2026 and beyond.
READ MORE: The companies in Switzerland that are cutting jobs in 2026
In international comparison, Swiss rents are reasonable
When compared to wages, rents in Swiss urban areas are much more affordable than in major European cities.
This is what emerges from a new analysis of 127 cities worldwide released by a financial news portal Tradingpedia.
It found that “Swiss cities stand out in the ranking as good places to rent on a local wage despite having some of Europe’s highest rents.”
In Zurich, for instance, one of the world’s most expensive cities, the average rent is over 2,380 per month, the highest figure among the studied cities. But “exceptionally high average salaries (6,790 francs per month, net) mean residents still retain nearly 65 percent of their income after rent,” Tradingpedia reported.
In terms of rent-to-income ratio, Basel, Bern and Lausanne “are even more affordable.”
READ MORE: Does Switzerland still have a 30-percent rule for rent?
Geneva public transport timetable will change during the G7
The summit, which will take place from June 15th to 17th in Evian, France, “will impact mobility in Geneva and throughout the cross-border region,” the canton’s public transport company, TPG, announced.
During this time, Geneva’s trams and buses will operate – with some exceptions – on a holiday schedule.
“During this period, the operation of the TPG network will be adjusted according to the security measures implemented and the traffic conditions,” the transport company said. “Some lines may be disrupted or have reduced service, particularly cross-border ones.”
An Italian man proves you can be in two places at the same time
A municipal employee from the Italian province of Varese has been caught working in Switzerland during his official work hours in Italy.
According to the investigation, he first clocked in at his office in Italy, and then drove to his job in Ticino.
By comparing footage from surveillance and monitoring cameras, Italian investigators were able to trace the man’s steps as he drove a municipal vehicle to the town hall to register his attendance.
He then parked the vehicle at the municipal depot and continued his journey to his job Switzerland in his private car – even though he was officially registered as being on duty in Italy.
There is no word yet about what punishment the sneaky employee will be subjected to.
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch
