Basically it's a 3 short term contract. "Suivi d'une embauche" means that you might be hiredr on a permanent basis afterwards, but I advice you to be careful cause it usually means that you might be remewed but for a second short period. Please ask details to your employer.

Most companies here have a 3 months trial period during which you can leave and they can throw you out at short notice (usually a week). Also at the end of the 3 months you can go if you don't like it, or they can decide not to go on to a more permanent contract if they're not pleased with you.

That's what this phrase most likely means, but I agree that it's important to check what exactly are their conditions. You have to receive them with your contract. As always and ever - read the small print before signing, even if it's a pain in the ass.

does anyone know an employment lawyer who could help with this question?

I do not completely agree with Eva.What she wrote is correct as a rule, but if it was what it means for your case, it would be "période d'essai de 3 mois" and not "contrat de 3 mois".

I'm actually a jurist, but I do not think that you need a labor lawyer.

If you want, you can send me the contract and I will check it for you

3 months probation is pretty much standard in switzerland. I hade the same.

Need to clarify if its "trail period" (which is normal in Switzerland) or a 3 month short term contract, which may or may not be renewed.

One is worth moving from St Gallen to Geneva for (ie the full contract with 3 mth trail period) , the other may not be, depending on the financials and relocation expenses etc.

Clarify with HR at the bank if its one or the other... then someone on here will be able to check the rest of the details.

Bon chance

Hi Joe. 

Do not confond trial period with short term contract. 

A trial period is indeed part of a long term contract. It is absolutely normal allover Europe. 

Three months is indeed as Catalin said Standard. 

However your contract is different. It's a 3 month short contract that CAN turn into a long term contract but can also be renewed. So the effect might be the same (you could get fired or just the contract would stop) and you'd have no major interests or benefits at the end. 

You have a lot of lawyer cabinets here. 

http://www.thomasbarth.ch/

Just search on google "avocat droit travail geneve" and you'll find lots of addresses. 

I'd say that it's a risk only you can decide to take or not. The risk of being unemployed after three months is almost the same. However a contract that starts in a short term gives a bit of an insight of the employer's intentions.... 

Best of luck and don't hesitate to ask any other questions if needed. Make sure that if you move that at least they'd cover your relocation expenses ;)

Cheers ! 

Ioan 

But at the end of the day it's the same thing isn't it? The employer can terminate your employment at the end of or at any time during the 3 months trial period anyways. It comes down to the same think - employer's will.

most trail periods go by without a hitch, and you get pension and benefits on a fixed contract, which as far as I know a short term contract does not allow for.

additionally I have yet to see a bank that will pay relocation expenses and the rest for a short term 3 mth contract.

Yeah but that's after the 3 initial months. All thinks left aside, if the initial 3 months are followed by a permanent contract, then it doesn't matter how you call the initial 3 months, that's what I'm saying.

Absolutely agree with you Catalin. 

Speaking to HR about relocation expenses will maybe clear out the intentions of the employer as well. 

Love your new picture Charlie ! 

Legally, it's totally different!

yeah BUT a 3 month contract that transfers into a fixed one would mean you start with trail period again afetr 3 months, also you get no bonus and benefits on a temporary 3 month contract, which you may be entitled to on a fixed one (even during your trial period)

additionally no one will rent long term housing to you, or give you a bank loan or other stuff on a 3 month temporary contract. Whereas you may get housing on a fixed one with trail period....The theory may be the same at the end, ie to ensure a fixed permanent contract, but the inbetweens are way way different.

you owe me a beer again... 

Actually we should get together for a beer one of these evenings... 

YOU are driving me crazy splitting the hair in 4 like that. It all depends on the details of the contract, which are unknown to both you and me. I did say all other aspects left aside.

As for housing, nobody has asked me for a copy of my contract, what they care about is your last 3 pay slips, which you will have in both scenarios. Ha! You owe me two beers now. This conversation has made me thirsty.

how will he have 3 last pay slips being currently unemployed in St Gallen and moving to Geneva for a new job? Einstein?

3 for me...  keep it up Im thirsty

It was understood from my previous post that that would be after the three initial months - you forgot ypur reading glasses again? Are those beers coming my way anytime soon please, I don't like to wait ;)

And where will he live whilst doing the 3 month trial or 3 month temp contract?

you muppet,,, christ alive,

Ioan...mediate between this idiot and me please...

ps really really thirsty now...

Well I don't care you idiot, it's not my problem! That wasn't his question was it?!? You would not get an appartment without three payslips regardless of your type of contract anyway so why bring it up?

So it's three beers each... and ... guiness... 

And the poor guy will need to figure something out for these 3 months. 

For me, the "regie" wanted the works : contract, pay slips (I had only 2) , criminal record from France (replaces the "office des poursuites" thingy), insurance, one month and swiss caution it's not an easy deal for housing.

He has only one option: sublet a room or housemate some nice glocals members... you will never get an appartment for the first 3 months if not with a short term contract. 

MOREOVER : remember that one year obligation of the renting contract? you cannot leave before one year, must have a 3 month notice and if not find another client?... you don't even want to get in that thing if you are not sure of your contract. 

So housing easy: sublet or housmates. I wouldn't take chances.

So where are we seeing eachother tonight for those beers? Charlie o'Neils is ok for you guys? 

busy till 10pm...

thanks a lot guys. I am currently in employment, will have full details of the contract next week when I get it in the post

Ok Joe, when u get it there are people here who can help if you need it. Good luck.

some are looking half a year for an apartment...so if your employer does not offer you an apartment, then it is very difficult...

try it on the trailer park :-)

(I did hihi...every evening whisky for free and on sundays apéro at 9 o'clock... )

Hi, I'm a swiss jurist. A 3 months trial period is prescribed in the law. All swiss companies do that. The employer can shorten it or lengthen it, as long as the notice period is the same for both parties. If you're hired as an employee, your're entitled to social benefits and contribute to pension plans. It doesn't matter if you're under a 3-months contract or an indefinite contract with 3-months trial period.

Maybe they want to hire you as a contractor for 3 months and try you out. In that case, you're not an employee, you're freelance. The company doesn't have to pay for your pension plans. The time worked as an independent doesn't count in the calculations of unemployment benefits. You're also not covered for accidents on the workplace.

Another possibility is that the employer doesn't want to cooperate with the labor department of the canton. In some sectors, if companies fire above a certain number of employees, they have to pay something to the unemployment office.