The Impact of In-Work Benefits on Poverty and Household Labour Supply: A Simulation Study for Switzerland

Michael Gerfin () and Robert E. Leu ()
Additional contact information
Michael Gerfin: University of Bern
Robert E. Leu: University of Bern

No 762, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: Income support for working low income families (the “working poor”) is on top of the political agenda in Switzerland. The current social assistance system is considered inadequate to support working poor households. Labour unions propose the introduction of a general minimum wage, whereas the Swiss government promotes in-work benefits. Based on a structural labour supply model this paper provides microsimulation results of the effects of introducing different schemes of in-work benefits. It turns out that adding a minimum hours requirement to the current social assistance system is the most cost-efficient reform. Minimum wages are ineffective in fighting poverty.

Keywords: microsimulation; poverty; tax credits; household labour supply (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C25 I38 J22 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 34 pages
Date: 2003-04
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (18)

Published - revised version published as ''Evaluationg the Cost-Effectiveness of In-Work Benefits: A Simulation Study for Switzerland' in: German Economic Review, 2007, 8 (4), 447 - 467

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Working Paper: The Impact of In-Work Benefits on Poverty and Household Labour Supply. A simulation study for Switzerland (2003)
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