Employment Market Effects of Basic Income

Gilbert, Huws and Yi consider the impact on the labour market of the current wave of technological innovation. They examine changes in the quantity and distribution of jobs as well as qualitative shifts in employment that have affected the economic security of workers. In this context of significant change and uncertainty, the authors explore whether Basic Income would offer a useful social protection system for workers. They conclude that, if certain tax and regulatory changes were to accompany the implementation of a Basic Income, workers would benefit from greater flexibility to combine jobs, secure a stable income, and move in and out of the educational system. They would also experience increased freedom to decline oppressive or degrading labour and would maintain their psychological motivation to work.