Hi,

Can't find anything existing about this exactly, so...

I was working as an IT contractor from March 2010 until the end of December 2012. I am only just getting around to registering to claim the RAV now as I wanted a break.

What will be their expectations around the job search I have conducted already? I hear they expect a minimum 8-10 applications a month, but will they penalise me if I haven't started looking before I claim?

Your profile says you speak German.

Therefore http://www.awa.zh.ch/internet/volkswirtschaftsdirektion/awa/de/arbeitsmarkt/beratung_im_rav/pflicht_zur_stellensuche.html

Help only paid out after you start the claim, cannot be back dated. There are waiting periods. They expect you to make 8 to 10 applications per month, from when you know you are unemployed.

My understanding was you can not claim unemployment if you were working as a contractor but only had a permanent position. I might be wrong but would be interested to know if you find anything out.

You can be employed as a contractor. But yes, it depends if he has paid the ALV Arbeitslosversicherung.

There is no such thing as a contractor in CH, you have to be an employee. Working for a company every day is not a self employed activity as your taking zero risk. To be eligible for unemployment pay you have to have worked at least 1 day a month for at least 12 months in the last 24.

The OP's insured salary is based on the LAST 12 months salary, 3 of those months the salary is 0

Edit I believe the minimum monthly salary has to be 500 to be eligible.

So reading the above (although I'm actually claiming in Schwyz) and having just been in there, it looks like it's true that there is no provision for taking a time-out and that they will expect you to show you began the search from the notice date regardless.

So, kids - be warned.

Mind you, pinging people on Linked In or whatever apparently counts as one of your ten, so it shouldn't be too hard.

I've just got all the forms; will post back if I discover anything different.

Thanks to all for your contributions.

PS yep, although I was termed a contractor by my UK client, for swiss purposes I was still a full-time employee of my employment agency, even though I had several consecutive 6-month etc contracts - and I did pay the insurance premiums and so am eligible

Taking time off is seen as taking the piss, however if you register you can take 3 months unpaid holiday, however they may 'punish' you.

Of course 'contractors' are paid very highly so you can afford to take time off if you wish.