Termination of Employment - Dismissal

We help you with the termination of your employment contract / dismissal / mutual termination under Swiss employment law.

Don't hesitate to contact T. Villiger, specialized employment lawyer on tel. 043 535 00 85 / villiger(at)ad-voca.ch or via Internet. We look forward to helping you.

 

What is the standard period of notice in Switzerland? 

The length of the notice period depends on various factors, such as the length of the employment contract, etc. After the probationary period, employment contracts often provide for notice periods of 2-3 months, and for top management 6 months.

 

How can an employment contract be terminated?

In Switzerland, an employment contract can be terminated for any reason. However, in certain cases, such as illness, maternity or military service, a notice of termination may be null and void or the notice period may be extended.

 

Is there a right to compensation or severance pay? 

Normally, no compensation is due. However, in certain cases you may be entitled to compensation if you are dismissed without notice. The same applies to unfair dismissal. In the latter case, the employee must comply with the statutory time limits during the notice period and within 180 days thereafter.

 

What is a termination agreement?

Release and termination agreements should be carefully drafted and reviewed by a lawyer, especially with regard to the possible compensation of vacation and overtime credits, bonus payments, non-competition clauses, shortening of notice periods, job references, waiver or balance clauses. They entail great risks for both employees and employers, also regarding the unemployment insurance. Employees should not miss any time when it comes to deadlines granted by the employer. Often, the deadlines are extremely short.

 

What is garden leave?

An employment contract may provide for garden leave during the notice period, which often means that the employee continues to receive the normal fixed salary without any obligation to work (with certain exceptions). There are many specific issues to consider, such as bonus payments or a company car. 

 

How do we proceed?

Don't hesitate to contact us on tel. 043 535 00 85 / villiger(at)ad-voca.ch or via Internet.

Click here to read more about our collaboration. Our law office is located in the centre of Zurich, Switzerland.