A newly launched project is seeking to examine the role Basic Income (BI) could play in improving recipients’ mental wellbeing. Peace of Mind: Exploring Universal Basic Income’s Potential to Improve Mental Health is being led by Basic Income Network Scotland chair Mike Danson and the University of Strathclyde’s Matt Smith. Funded by the Scottish Universities … Read more
In the final (for now) instalment of our series of blogs covering the basics of a Basic Income, Basic Income Network Scotland volunteer Luke Brotherdale Smith looks at why a Basic Income is paid to individuals not households. You can find the rest of the series here. A Basic Income is paid to all individuals, … Read more
The last few months have seen significant momentum grow behind the Basic Income movement. Distinguished voices have demanded people are given the right to a minimum income, with politicians from across the globe and religious figures such as Pope Francis joining in a call for Basic Income. Scotland has emerged as a leading figure in … Read more
As the UK government demands its people stay alert and Rishi Sunak extends the furlough scheme, what exactly do these policy shifts mean? Luke analyses the flaws within the furlough scheme and how for many it provides increasingly little support. He asserts it is ultimately the poorest workers who are receiving a more than subtle … Read more
Luke explores the transformation of ‘unskilled’ workers to key workers and how its time we gave them the respect, security and power they deserve. He writes that for too long these workers have provided the foundation for our way of life whilst their wealthy employers attract the praise and profits. But now is the … Read more
Chancellor Sunak yesterday missed the opportunity to provide genuine security and support for self-employed workers across the UK. After leaving them in limbo for days, we welcome the chancellor’s attempts to find a solution to the anxiety faced by millions. However creating more conditionality, complexity and a waiting period until June, does nothing other than … Read more
Coronavirus is on everyone’s lips and its increasiblgy demonstrating the failure of current systems to protect people. As the budget seems to suggest a change in direction, could the door to a Basic Income be creeping open? And with more and more of civil society closing down is a Basic Income needed right now?
In this series Luke explores the Eight Modern Giants introduced by Economist Guy Standing in his recent report Basic Income as Common Dividends. This second article focuses on Insecurity and how the ideologically driven cutting back of social security has led to chronic uncertainty. He then explores the importance of basic security, and how a … Read more
Scottish artist Jenny Lupton details the difficulties she finds trying to sustain a living through her art and passion, and how a Basic Income would help.
Chris Grant explains how becoming a leader at work and a parent at home made him realise why we all need a Basic Income to realise our full potential.