The University of Lausanne is conducting a follow-up study as part of the National Research Programme LIVES to investigate the long-term social and economic impact of plant closures in Switzerland. The aim of the study is to assess the occupational trajectories of former workers, as well as their personal well-being in recent years, in order to enhance the understanding of long-term effects of mass displacements.
In 2011, Isabel Baumann and Daniel Oesch conducted an initial investigation on the short and medium-term consequences of the closures of five Swiss industrial plants. The results of their study showed that two years after plant closures, two thirds of the former workers had found a new employment. Half of them found a new job within half a year. Compared to other European countries, young and low-skilled workers rarely ended up in long-term unemployment and found new job opportunities quickly.
The situation was different for employees who were over 55 years old at the time of the plant closure. People in this age group had more difficulties in finding new jobs and, after being unemployed for an extended period of time, tended to accept jobs of lower quality and lower pay compared to their previous employment.
If you are interested in the results of the initial study, you can read them here:
- Smooth transition or permanent exit? Evidence on job prospects of displaced industrial workers
- The Plight of Older Workers
The follow-up study aims to explore the long-term effects of mass displacements on occupational trajectories and personal well-being of former workers. Particularly relevant are career changes, the reasons for these changes, as well as variations in regard to life satisfaction. The fielding of the follow-up study takes place between September and October 2020. As soon as the first results are available, they will be published on this site.
Responsible for the survey are:
