UBI: It Not Now, When?

In 2024 we are stuck with last-century ideas of how to earn a living, the economy, and benefits. With people living longer in the UK the retirement age on the present trajectory will keep increasing. By these means, some of us won't make it to retirement while others may be too old and too ill to hang around long enough to enjoy the fruits of retirement. With prices on energy costs, shopping, etc, still going through the roof an urgent plan should/could be put into place now!

That plan or idea is 'Universal Basic Income'. A government payout you would get whether you worked or not and it should take into consideration your circumstances. For example, if you are at the bottom of the pile, you should get the full amount of the payment. If you choose to work depending on your salary an amount (in line with your earnings) of UBI will sustain you. Those over a certain threshold in the well-paid sectors should not receive it.

Universal Credit has been trialled in certain countries. UBI has been trialled in Finland, Kenya, Canada, the USA, and Germany (a private version, not a government scheme is underway). The trials suggest that UBI can improve well-being and alleviate poverty. However, its long-term economic and societal effects remain debated. Many experts believe more extensive trials over a longer time are needed. To fully understand its potential and benefits. Even Elon Musk has conceded that with automation becoming more and more part of our lives it will be happen eventually.

The current benefits system in the UK is in turmoil and draconian. Universal Basic Income was introduced by the then Department of Work and Pensions Minister Iain Duncan Smith under David Cameron. The idea to roll all benefits into one was a good idea. To end the confusion of 5 other benefits. It was supposed to be the benefit to end all benefits and be fairer. However, it has proved to be anything but. It is a cruel and evil system and the question has to be asked how many people benefit from it (no pun intended). How many people have died (yes died) and suffered because of this system? How many people have gotten the jobs they want (whereas the emphasis now is getting any job or else)? The cruellest of sanctions are enacted on people if they are not (allegedly) pulling their weight in applying for work. I can understand the government wants people to get into work. Let's face it, some people swing the lead and do not want to work. So by sanctions, the government thinks it will force people into work. Maybe, it does work and some people find work and are better off. However, it has the reverse effect on those with ill health whether that be physical or mental.

The job centre instead of helping those in need has become a hell house for many. There are kind staff who try and help those they are supposed to serve. Sad to say though there are staff so-called job coaches who bully and humiliate those they are supposed to be helping.

Universal Credit should be replaced by another Universal that of Basic Income. At least, it should be trialled in the UK as it has been in the countries mentioned. If successful jobcentres as we know them could be- changed or closed down. UBI according to surveys does alleviate poverty and people can then concentrate on what matters in life. Society could change to be more mindful and kind. So people could concentrate on a more leisurely way of life and perhaps even a spiritual one. With a shorter working week for those who wished to work. Bring down the retirement age significantly for those who don't want to work into their twilight years. Give more emphasis on the young so the old can get out of the way as is the natural order of things. A society where the needs and well-being of the population are more than the economy. I'm sure many people would feel happier and wealthier financially and within themselves. People would still work if they wanted and automation would do the jobs that people hate. Where healthier food would be cheaper and health be in the public eye more. The idea is prevention instead of cure. This would free up the NHS and save it thousands of pounds in forking out care for such people.

The present system seems to be never-ending and that is the flaw of capitalism. It can make people better off but it creates awful inequality. With most of us at the bottom and the 1% or so at the top of the pile. The system should be changed as described above by the late black poet Benjamin Zephaniah. And as he further said, particularly when we came out of lockdown. Capitalism and its symptoms of consumerism are all about exploitation whether it be low-paid workers, the planet, or those beings (we call animals) we share this planet with.

The current Labour government will not be introducing UBI sadly. Jeremy Corbyn had he beaten Boris in 2019 promised to introduce it or at least trial it. As long as our present system enables the billionaires and millionaires to live off the backs of the rest of us nothing will change.