A temporary assignment can give you an opportunity to get to know tasks and a workplace. Whether it suits your situation depends on the specific offer. It does not promise quick placement or a later permanent job.
Review the specific offer
Before deciding, note the duties, workplace, working hours, planned start and duration. Clarify the agreed pay and contract terms with the employer. Ask about anything unclear. Also consider how the assignment fits with your continuing job search.
When work may count as interim earnings
A temporary job does not count as interim earnings merely because of its name. The official arbeit.swiss FAQ describes earned income during unemployment that is lower than unemployment compensation. The work must be paid at rates customary for the locality and occupation. Your unemployment insurance fund (ALK) assesses your individual eligibility.
If you are entitled to a compensatory payment, the basic formula uses the applicable rate:
Compensation = (70% or 80%) × (insured earnings − interim earnings)
The starting point is insured earnings. The payment is not simply the difference between your previous unemployment benefit and the new wage.
Fictional calculation with assumptions
For illustration only: assume insured earnings of CHF 5 000 and recognised interim earnings of CHF 2 000 for the same period. Also assume that the eligibility requirements are met and that the applicable rate is 80%.
0.80 × (5 000 − 2 000) = 2 400
Under these assumptions, the simplified calculation gives compensation of CHF 2 400. This is neither a personal benefit calculation nor a net payment amount. Monthly working days, deductions and other eligibility factors are not calculated here. The ALK determines your individual entitlement and statement.
Report the work and clarify next steps
Inform the RAV and your ALK early about any work while receiving benefits. Clarify with the RAV which job-search efforts and appointments continue during the assignment. Do not infer an automatic exemption from a particular employment percentage.
- Which information and documents does the ALK need for this assignment?
- Which RAV job-search instructions apply during it?
- Which contract or payment question remains open, and who will answer it?
Record the answers and agreed next steps. General information about PARAT is on the PARAT homepage. This article does not replace an assessment of your individual case by the responsible authorities.
