Switzerland may scrap permit requirements for air-conditioners; legislators approve tax relief for retirees who continue working; plus other news in our roundup this Wednesday.
Switzerland may scrap permit requirements for air-conditioners
Getting a fixed AC unit in Switzerland is a complex task, requiring justifications and permits. But after record-breaking heatwaves this summer, rules may be relaxed.
The National Council’s Environment Committee has narrowly voted on Tuesday in favour of allowing the installation of so-called ‘split-system’ air conditioners – units that are installed in and outdoors – without the need for a permit.
Currently, only portable air conditioners can be purchased without authorisation, the Committee noted – even though they are “inefficient and energy-intensive.”
The Council of States committee has yet to weigh in on this issue.
READ MORE: In Switzerland it’s easier to get a work permit than an air conditioning permit
Legislators approve tax relief for retirees who continue working
To counter the shortage of skilled labour, the Council of States’ Committee for the Economy has given the green light to a parliamentary initiative calling for tax incentives for those who continue working beyond retirement age.
The commission believes that such a measure could be of “significant benefit” to the labour market and economy in general..
It is now tasked with developing a draft legislation to implement the proposal.
READ ALSO: How Switzerland wants to keep pensioners working longer in life
UBS predicts a 1-percent increase in Swiss wages in 2027
To come up with this figure, the bank surveyed 395 companies based in Switzerland, covering 22 sectors.
In terms of pay raises, the differences between sectors will be minimal, UBS reported.
Watchmaking is lagging slightly behind at 0.7 percent, as is retail (0.8 percent).
On the other hand, metallurgy, chemicals and pharmaceuticals are planning hikes of 1.2 percent.but the energy sector will be most generous, with increases of 1.5 percent
However, the bank added that most of wage hikes will be ‘eaten up’ by inflation, as its rate is expected at 0.8 percent in 2027.
Geneva Airport could tap into federal jet fuel reserves
Like Zurich airport in October, Switzerland’s second-largest international airport, Geneva, is permitted to draw 50,000 cubic metres of jet fuel from the government’s reserves until November 29th.
According to the Federal Office for National Economic Supply the jet fuel shortage was caused by restrictions affecting refineries in southern France and Germany. The airports in Geneva and Zurich are therefore relying on withdrawals from mandatory reserves.”
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