RAV Zug under criticism: Clients reported disrespect and incompetence!

RAV Zug under criticism: Clients reported disrespect and incompetence!

In central Switzerland, the work of the Regional Employment Center (RAV) Zug is causing concern. Several affected people report negative experiences, which are documented in a current report by the Zug Ombudsman, and accuse the RAV of inadequate support. Two finance professionals, a former business manager and a media professional describe in detail how their needs were ignored when looking for a job and how they often felt disrespected.

A central case is that of Stefan H., who sought support from the RAV after being fired. He reports disrespectful treatment from advisors and a lack of individual advice. Instead, he was forced to follow standardized programs that did not take his qualifications into account. He also received sanctions because of his own initiative in applications. After months of dissatisfaction, he was finally assigned to a six-month labor market measure (AMM) at InnoPark Baar, which he found to be unsuitable.

Criticism of the care practice

Paul S., also in his mid-50s, describes his experiences similarly. After his termination, he felt pressured to constantly justify his situation by the condescending treatment of his advisors. He also found his consultant documentation to be incomplete and untrue. Both men criticize the lack of differentiation in the measures, which are ineffective based on age and qualifications.

The incidents represent only part of the problem. Sabine M. reported disrespectful comments and a lack of support for her idea of ​​self-employment, while Urs T. received positive impulses from a course, but still confirmed his advisor's disrespectful treatment. These negative experiences lead to widespread criticism of the inefficiency and lack of transparency of the system, which gives the impression of wasting public money.

RAV reactions

Pascal Müller, the head of RAV Zug, rejects the allegations and emphasizes that over 5,000 job seekers were competently looked after in 2024. He also refers to a positive benchmarking by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco), which praises the work of the RAV. The ombudsman's office, however, criticizes the fact that RAV employees have to give an annual account of deregistrations without real questions being asked about the reasons for deregistration.

A recommendation from the Zug Office for Economic Affairs highlights the need for action in cooperation between employment agencies and clients. It is advisable to contact a person you trust, be it the RAV, the IV office, the social service or the BIS. The invitation to participate in IIZ case support, which is voluntary, is intended to help clarify the professional and life situation as well as obstacles in the job search and to develop concrete steps for returning to work or training. Adapting these plans as personal situations change is also part of the consulting approach.

The experience gained and the alternatives offered suggest that there is still a great need for individual and targeted support for job seekers in the canton of Zug. While the official authorities draw a positive conclusion, the reality remains a challenge for many clients.

For further information on job placement and advice in Zug, visit the canton's website here be called. Further details about the relevant incidents can be found in the report Tagblatts to find.