Skip to main navigationSkip to main content
The University of Southampton
The Learn With US Transition Programme

Facing the Future: Basic income and its critics

What happens to society when there are no jobs?

Is Basic Income the answer to mass job losses?

We face this issue right now because of Covid-19 - but a jobless future is something economists and social scientists have been worried about as technology, robotics and artificial intelligence increasingly replaces human workers.

One suggestion - happening right now across the world - is for Governments to simply pay citizens to live. To mail them a cheque every month. This is the idea of a Universal Basic Income.

In this talk, Dr Richard Penny explains why this might be necessary long term, and examines the economic, social and health evidence for why it might be desirable. There are also downloadable materials to accompany the lecture at the bottom of the page. 

Useful Downloads

Need the software?PDF Reader
Privacy Settings