Federal Councillor Beat Jans met with representatives of major Swiss companies to discuss their role in the professional integration of refugees. Jans thanked participants and encouraged them to continue and expand their efforts, stressing that many refugees who want to work are not yet fully using their potential.
The meeting included leaders from the Conference of Cantonal Governments, the Conference of Cantonal Social Affairs Directors (CDAS), and the Conference of Heads of Cantonal Public Economy Departments. Cantonal and federal officials shared experiences, highlighting initiatives such as job fairs, hiring events and webinars connecting refugees with companies and professional coaches.
Representatives from companies like Coop, La Poste, and IKEA Switzerland emphasised the importance of direct contact between professional coaches and companies and described programs supporting refugees in areas such as logistics, distribution, and tailored training.
The Swiss Integration Agenda supports refugees through job coaching, language learning and placement services, with the success of professional integration relying on effective matches between job seekers and companies. Jans indicated that a follow-up meeting could take place in about a year.