The Canton of Bern recorded a slight increase in unemployment for September 2025, with the total number of jobless individuals rising by 148 to reach 11,609. Despite this increase, the cantonal unemployment rate remained stable at 2.0%, significantly below the national average of 2.8%.
Key Takeaways
- Total Unemployed: The number of people registered as unemployed in Bern rose to 11,609, an increase of 148 from the previous month.
- Unemployment Rate: The rate held steady at 2.0%, while the national rate for Switzerland also remained unchanged at 2.8%.
- Affected Sectors: The hospitality, health and social services, and construction industries saw the most significant increases in unemployment.
- Year-Over-Year Change: Compared to September 2024, there are 1,649 more people unemployed in the canton.
September 2025 Labor Market Overview
Official data released on October 6, 2025, provides a detailed look at the labor market in the Canton of Bern. While the headline unemployment rate of 2.0% shows surface-level stability, the underlying figures indicate shifts across various sectors and demographics.
The total number of individuals without work climbed to 11,609. This represents a modest month-over-month increase but contributes to a more substantial year-over-year rise of 1,649 people. This longer-term trend suggests a cooling labor market compared to the previous year.
Understanding Seasonally Adjusted Data
Standard unemployment figures can be influenced by predictable seasonal patterns, such as the end of the summer tourist season. To get a clearer picture of underlying economic trends, economists use a seasonally adjusted rate. In Bern, this adjusted rate rose from 2.1% to 2.2%, indicating a slight weakening of the labor market beyond typical seasonal effects.
Sector-Specific Trends Reveal Pressure Points
The increase in unemployment was not evenly distributed across the economy. Several key sectors experienced notable growth in jobless claims, with some exceeding typical seasonal expectations.
Hospitality Sector Sees Seasonal Rise
The hospitality and gastronomy sector reported an increase of 46 unemployed individuals. According to officials, this rise is largely consistent with seasonal patterns, as summer tourism winds down and businesses reduce staffing levels for the autumn period.
Health and Construction Face Above-Average Increases
More concerning were the figures from the health and social services sector, which saw an increase of 39 jobless persons. The construction industry also reported a rise, adding 32 people to the unemployment register. Officials noted that the increases in both these sectors were stronger than the long-term average for September, suggesting factors beyond seasonality are at play.
A majority of other industries in the canton also registered a slight increase in unemployment, contributing to the overall rise in the total number of jobless individuals.
Unemployment Increases by Sector (September 2025)
- Hospitality: +46 people
- Health & Social Services: +39 people
- Construction: +32 people
Youth and Regional Unemployment Figures
The latest report also sheds light on how unemployment is affecting different age groups and geographic areas within the Canton of Bern.
Youth Unemployment Experiences a Small Uptick
Unemployment among young people aged 15 to 24 rose by 27 individuals, bringing the total for this demographic to 1,352. This increase follows two consecutive months where youth joblessness grew at a slower-than-average pace.
Based on historical trends, authorities expect the number of unemployed young adults to decline in the coming months as they transition from education into the workforce or secure new positions after the summer break.
A Diverse Picture Across Administrative Districts
The labor market situation varies significantly across Bern's ten administrative districts. In September, six districts saw a slight increase in unemployment, while the figures remained stable in Jura bernois and Biel/Bienne.
The disparity is evident in the range of unemployment rates:
- The lowest rates were recorded in Frutigen-Niedersimmental and Interlaken-Oberhasli, both at just 0.8%.
- The highest rate was in Jura bernois, which stood at 4.5%, more than double the cantonal average.
This wide gap highlights the different economic structures and challenges present within the canton, from tourism-dependent alpine regions to industrial centers.