Internship Compliance: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Understand the legal requirements for hiring students or graduates in Switzerland to ensure work arrangements are paid fairly and fully insured.
This scheme provides the legal framework and rules for temporary work arrangements involving students or recent graduates in Switzerland.
Who it's for
This scheme is designed for two primary groups: students currently enrolled in an educational program and recent graduates entering the workforce. It establishes the standards for how these individuals should be treated when engaging in temporary work roles to ensure they are protected under labor regulations.
What you get
By following these regulations, you establish a legal framework for temporary work. This provides a clear structure for both the employer and the worker, ensuring the internship is a legitimate professional arrangement rather than an unregulated work placement. This framework helps define the boundaries of the role and the rights of the person performing the work.
What it costs you
There is a significant financial responsibility involved in maintaining compliance. Employers must pay a fair wage to those they hire; it is important to understand that unpaid internships are generally illegal under these standards. Because the work is considered professional rather than purely educational, the compensation must reflect a fair rate for the labor provided.
The catch to know
The most common oversight involves insurance and social benefits. Even if a fair wage is being paid, the arrangement is not fully compliant unless the intern is covered by social security and accident insurance. Both the employer and the intern must ensure that these mandatory protections are in place to avoid legal issues regarding the worker's status and safety.
How to apply
- Determine if the candidate is a student or a recent graduate to confirm eligibility.
- Draft a contract that complies with the legal framework for temporary work.
- Set a fair wage for the role to ensure the internship is not classified as unpaid labor.
- Verify that the worker is fully covered under social security and accident insurance protocols.
- Consult with the relevant authorities if you have questions regarding specific labor laws.