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According to the latest census of the Federal Department of Economics, Training and Research (DEFR), of the 4,6 million people employed in Switzerland, the self-employed represent 594’000 people. 55% are employed without employees. These people therefore represent an extremely important part of our economic fabric. The majority work weekdays and weekends, take only a few holidays and work more hours a week than the average.
Self-employed workers are excluded from the reduction in working hours (RHT) or partial unemployment if they have not contributed to unemployment insurance, which is optional for companies in their own right. SME executives can receive RHT, but with a monthly limit capped at CHF 3320.-, which is insufficient in view of the risk and effort provided by these entrepreneurs.
Since the semi-containment measures taken by the Federal Council to protect the population, Swiss independents and companies have been facing a collapse in their activities. For the most part, the inability to operate because of coronavirus puts the viability of their business into question.
The solution of bank loans, even at a zero interest rate and with a spread over 5 to 7 years, will not be enough to safeguard small structures. They simply cannot afford to bear the burden of debt, which is not only a significant stress but also an additional risk factor.
share information and solutions, taking into account federal regulations and cantonal specificities, to encourage mutual aid and support, to be a source of emulation, to give everyone the opportunity to express themselves in a benevolent environment.
Since April 10, 2020, the collective has carried out joint action around the symbolic initiative ” Étendre les aides aux indépendant-e-s et relever le plafond pour les PME ! ” supported by organizations and political figures by federating with the Département développement économique (DDE) du canton de Genève, Sophie Dupont, Fabrice Pfulg and Markus Hohl for more than 220’000 signatures :
We communicate with existing associations and federations, we are not here to compete with existing entities, but to fill a lack of presence and information.