How To Get My Reference Letter?

The right to a work reference is enshrined in Swiss contract law. This article explains how it must be structured and how employees can enforce their claim if the employer remains inactive.

1. Content and form of the reference letter

According to Art. 330a para. 1 CO, every employee has the right to request a reference letter from their employer at any time. This reference letter must relate to the nature and duration of the employment relationship as well as the quality of the work performed and the employee's behaviour. The employee therefore does not have to wait until the end of the employment relationship to request a reference letter, but can also request a so-called interim reference letter during the current employment relationship.