Update 13:45 Bern, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) - The Swiss Federal Council (cabinet) met Monday 10 August in an extraordinary session that had sparked speculation they could be meeting to discuss the ongoing UBS court case in the US. Council members were briefed on the case, Swiss news agency ats was told by the Swiss vice-chancellor, André Simonazzi, who refused any further comment and insisted that no further information will be provided until the negotiations between the US and Switzerland for an out of court settlement are concluded.
UBS not mentioned, but Swiss cabinet takes economic measures to fight crisis
Instead, the Council took steps to create the necessary legal base that will allow the Swiss parliament to put in place a series of measures to help the country cope with the economic crisis.
Specifically, leglislation can now be put in place covering:
- young, inexperienced workers – employers can receive up to six months’ financial support for hiring young people entering the job market
- people whose unemployment benefits have come to an end should be able to receive re-training assistance
- short, fixed-term non-profit organization contracts for unemployed workers to give them experience in a new field
- continuing education help for employees of companies who have turned to partial unemployment
- financial aid to encourage employment in the IT and energy fields.
In addition, the Council has agreed to:
- create an additional 230 fixed term federal government jobs
- add 300-plus long-term military service posts to increase this option for young men who need to fulfill their military duty
- provide support for export promotional efforts
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News story, GenevaLunch, 10 August 2009.
Filed under: Politics
Tags: Bern, briefing, Business, Cabinet, court case, Education, Swiss economy, Swiss federal council, Swiss news, UBS, unemployment