Unpaid work caring for children or adults with special needs can lead to poverty, according to the Federal Office for Gender Equality.

A report released today said the work, done mostly by women, amounts to 2.3 billion hours a year with a material value of 80 billion francs.

The report suggested an increase of social support for these workers, like allowing more flexible working conditions for those caring for loved ones. 

This could include easier access to social insurance for missed work time or the ability to contribute to a fund alongside welfare contributions.