by Switzerland’s Federal Council is looking at a proposal to make pension payments compulsory for self-employed workers in the same way that they are for salaried workers. © Katatonia82 | Dreamstime.com In Switzerland there are three elements to pensions. A universal state pension, funded from social security payments, a second element, known as a second pillar, which is a pot built up from sums deducted from salary, and a third pillar, which is an optional tax deductible amount granted annually. Currently the self-employed are not required to pay into a second pillar fund. Some in government are concerned that this group is not saving enough and risks needing government aid in retirement. On Thursday, with the support of the Federal Council, parliament voted in favour of looking at the issue. The Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP) is against the idea, saying that self-employed pensions must continue to be governed by the principle of individual responsibility. Federal Councillor Alain Berset, said it is ultimately up to parliament to decide rather than the Federal Council. More on this:Read full 20 Minutes article (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now Facebook and Twitter.
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Investec considers the following as important: Business & Economy, Pensions Switzerland self employed, Personal finance
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Switzerland’s Federal Council is looking at a proposal to make pension payments compulsory for self-employed workers in the same way that they are for salaried workers.
© Katatonia82 | Dreamstime.com
In Switzerland there are three elements to pensions. A universal state pension, funded from social security payments, a second element, known as a second pillar, which is a pot built up from sums deducted from salary, and a third pillar, which is an optional tax deductible amount granted annually.
Currently the self-employed are not required to pay into a second pillar fund. Some in government are concerned that this group is not saving enough and risks needing government aid in retirement.
On Thursday, with the support of the Federal Council, parliament voted in favour of looking at the issue.
The Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP) is against the idea, saying that self-employed pensions must continue to be governed by the principle of individual responsibility.
Federal Councillor Alain Berset, said it is ultimately up to parliament to decide rather than the Federal Council.
More on this:
Read full 20 Minutes article (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now