Switzerland: Contracts of employment

Updating author: Thomas Kälin, MLL Legal Ltd (MLL)

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Summary

• Some types of employment contracts must be in writing, such as apprenticeship contracts and temporary agency work contracts. (See General)
• The statutory probationary period is one month, which can be extended up to three months by agreement. (See Probationary periods)
• Employment contracts may be for full-time or part-time work and can be concluded for an indefinite duration or for a fixed term. (See Types of contract)
• The employer is obliged to provide the employee, within one month after the start of the employment, with a written statement of terms of employment. (See Written statement of terms of employment)
• The amendment of an employment contract requires the mutual consent of the employer and the employee, and neither party can amend the contract unilaterally. (See Variation of contract)