Relief organizations Heks plans to lay off up to 41 employees by the end of the month

The aid organization Heks is forced to lay off up to 41 employees by the end of November after a major mandate was not renewed.

The relief organization of the Swiss Protestant Reformed Church (Heks) is facing the challenge of laying off between 36 and 41 of its employees by the end of November. This decision follows the loss of a significant legal protection mandate at the Federal Asylum Center Northwestern Switzerland, which was not renewed.

The employees concerned, who have shorter notice periods, will also be affected by this measure. In addition, there will be redundancies for those who remain employed until the end of February 2025 due to longer statutory retention periods or for work related to the completion of the mandate. This information was confirmed by Heks on Wednesday evening following a report on the reformed website ref.ch.

Back in July, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) awarded the legal protection contract for the Federal Asylum Center Northwestern Switzerland from March 2025 to a bidding consortium consisting of the Bernese Legal Advice Center for People in Need and the Swiss Workers' Relief Agency. As a result of this decision, Heks lost a lucrative mandate worth seven million francs.

Loss of an important mandate

The loss of the mandate represents a significant financial setback for Heks. The mandate, which was worth seven million Swiss francs, was an essential part of the aid organization's financial planning. The SEM's decision to award the contract to another bidding consortium has put Heks in a difficult position.

Future prospects and challenges

In view of these developments, Heks faces the challenge of rethinking its future strategy. The redundancies are an immediate step in response to the changed financial conditions. At the same time, the aid organization must look for new ways to continue its mission and ensure its financial stability.

SDA