Universal basic income

Conference notes the need for a rebuilding of a modern social security system for men and women as part of tackling poverty, inequality and the threat to labour from automation.

Conference believes that, until all Employers pay a real living wage, welfare payments will play a necessary role in ensuring that workers are able to make ends meet.

Conference expresses its concerns over the Conservative Government’s cuts and attitude to the welfare system, especially under the draconian Universal Credit system. These cuts and system will cause increased levels of deprivation for many working families. The current system has been made increasingly punitive and has effectively been used to stigmatise benefit claimants. The operation of sanctions pushes people into destitution for trivial reasons.

Conference notes the growing popularity of the idea of a ‘Universal Basic Income’ with a variety of models being discussed here and around the world.

Conference believes that a basic unconditional and non-withdrawable income paid to everyone, has the potential to offer genuine social security to all.

Conference agrees that the FBU will campaign to defend in-work benefits to ensure that workers have access to a proper welfare system that ensures those on low pay are free from poverty.

Conference believes that the FBU should acknowledge Universal Basic Income and argue for a progressive system that would be easier to administer, easier for people to navigate, paid individually and that is complementary to comprehensive public services and childcare provision.