I tried the RAV website, but didn't quite get a couple of answer to some questions on behalf of a friend, who was but is no longer a member of this happy band.
The situation is that due to restructuring, the person (C permit holder) will be made redundant from the company they have worked at for 22 year, 15 of those in CH. In a tele' call today they were told that on 1st Nov they will be given formal notice of termination, with a 6 month notice period, so their last day with the company will be 30th April.
1 - Should contact they RAV now, or after they recieve formal notice of termination?
2 - Age is a factor, so unlikely a similar senior role would be found, but never say never, so they planning to start the searching in earnest in the last 3 months of their notice, is that feasible.
3 - They are currently in the German part of CH, but hoping to relocate to the south of the French part after their employement ends. How would this be viewed by the RAV.
I’d start searching asap if age is going to be a factor. RAV wouldn’t appreciate them sitting on their backside job hunting-wise for 3 months before they start looking.
Most contracts in CH are terminated to the end of the month. If notice is given on Nov 1st then the 6 months runs to end May? Of course the Tel call is probably the way to communicate the termination.
In any case, tell your friend to start looking asap. I don't think moving is an issue but would be good to move to a place with job opportunities.
BTW your friend needs to look at the new second pillar regulation - after a certain age when made redundant you can stay in the company second pillar and have the insurance versus moving to a libre passage account
I don't remember the details but worth looking into.
After 22 years they only get a notice period per their contract !
That's rough. I know most big Swiss firms add additional 'social package' time to the contracted notice period based on age and years of service. Someone in their 50s with 22 years of service would prob get at least an extra year to look for something 'internally' (or they would be offered a bigger cash payout).
I hope your friend is actually being better looked after than in your description.
Interesting, so they wouldn't need to transfer the funds out of the 2nd pillar into a vested benefits scheme? I found this, but not overly helpful as it's all in German, and it makes no sense when i try a translation tool.
They worked for a divested franchise from a massive global company, so the new business entity (with new contracts 4 years ago after the divestiture) in CH now is very small, and getting smaller.
They aren't in Switzerland at the moment so can't chek their actual contract until they return, maybe they can request a copy from HR? Without that a quick check looks like they are entitled to 3 months notice, but they are giving 6, and yes ther is a redundency payout. Had they still been with the original company, yes a very good package, but what they seem to be orrering is better than it could be I guess.
They are a bit like a deer in the headlights just now, although cuts were expected, still a shock. So I'm just trying to do a little legwork to ease things at the moment, whilst they get there head together.
I have a brilliant recruiter (who got me my last job) but he only works for Treasury roles. But maybe someone else has contacts that your friend can hit on?
And been there, done that - so I know how it feels!
Thanks R, it's hard to know what to say really, but I know there situation well, so just trying to help out.
Was a senior analyst, with a background is supply chain management, from manufacturing production planning to currently procurment, and compliance. No higher education or degree, so really no advancement possible, just progressed through hard graft and ability.
As they currently live in the German part, and only signed for a new apartment in March, it may be sometime before the relocation. Given age will be a factor in getting another job, would the RAV in the German part (until the move) allow them to do a French course for example, rather than German as the intention is to be in the French part?
Depends. When they proposed a French course, after some time of job searching, I asked "Can I have a German course instead? I've already looked at every corner of Romande, there's no job for me unless someone leaves or a new company appears on the market, the language doesn't play a role here". They said that it's possible but from A2 and up level. For some reason A1 for complete newbies is not possible. They sent me for a language test to asses my level. It was very scholar, multiple choice computerized test, lots of "do you remember the gender..." I scored A1.2 and thus didn't get the German course.
It was my understanding that it is a good idea to advise RAV as soon as you think you may be given notice. That also gives you a chance to discuss your situation and to check your obligations. They may also be able to provide some advice regarding the correct procedure to follow.
You may not need to 'do' anything but obviously having 6 months to find a new job is time that is not to be wasted.... and also time to work out your realistic financial position and get some counselling and advise to be ready to move forward....
I think that may apply to some. In large corporations people sometimes may win back their job as there's some special small print in the law protecting them or if they lost the job because of some internal cruel politics. However when I landed on a dole they only verified that the company observed the notice period, I didn't get any more legal help, I didn't insist/asked for it though.