The proportion of people working in industry has dropped from nearly half in the 1960s to around a quarter by the beginning of the 21st century. At the same time, the proportion employed in the service sector has risen from 39% to 71%.

All industrialised countries have followed a similar trend, partly because of increasing automation, and partly because globalisation has enabled them to delocalise some production to countries where wages are lower.

There are fewer and fewer unskilled jobs available in Switzerland: workers have to be flexible and adaptable and constantly ready to upgrade their qualifications.

The Swiss attach great importance to the quality of life: a good working atmosphere, flexible working hours, time for the family, more free time and independence.

A survey of Swiss workers carried out in 2005 found that 53 per cent were satisfied with their jobs, but 52 per cent felt they were not paid enough. The survey also found that the higher the level of education, the less satisfied employees were.

Those in the services sector had the highest scores for job satisfaction.