AI technology is rapidly transforming industries, and Universal Basic Income presents a compelling solution to tackle the implications of mass automation. It can safeguard livelihoods while fostering an innovative economy ...
As the British economy strides into an AI-driven era, the conversation surrounding Universal Basic Income (UBI) becomes increasingly relevant. UBI proposes a consistent, unconditional income for all citizens, irrespective of their employment status.
With the inexorable rise of artificial intelligence, society must reconsider how to distribute wealth and ensure that every individual has access to essential resources, even in an age where traditional jobs are diminishing.
Recent statistics illustrate the considerable influx of artificial intelligence into the business landscape.
According to a report by McKinsey, up to 25% of jobs in the UK could be automated by 2030, highlighting not just a trend, but a formidable shift in work dynamics. Industries such as manufacturing, retail, and transportation are likely to experience mass layoffs in the short term, as companies integrate AI technologies.
For example, supermarket self-checkout systems already reduce the staff required, while autonomous vehicles threaten jobs in the transport sector. In the medium term, administrative roles are at risk, with AI systems increasingly capable of handling tasks like data entry and customer service. Lastly, even creative professions may face disruption in the long term, as advancements in AI capabilities challenge the very nature of creative and strategic jobs.
In light of these looming changes, ideas for taxation must evolve to support a burgeoning automated economy, particularly to facilitate a Universal Basic Income. As businesses decrease their reliance on human labour, the government could implement taxes on automation gains, where companies using AI to replace employees contribute a percentage of their savings back to the state. This model not only incentivises businesses to innovate while ensuring they contribute to societal welfare, but also provides a sustainable funding mechanism for UBI.
Embracing UBI could yield transformative results!
With economic insecurity on the rise, a consistent income would empower communities, stimulate local economies, and reduce reliance on welfare programs. For workers, UBI represents a safety net, fostering entrepreneurship and enabling individuals to pursue education or retraining without the crushing pressure of immediate financial survival.
Adapting to the AI-centred future can stimulate interest in jobs that require human empathy and creativity - attributes that AI cannot replicate. This shift could potentially lead to a more diverse and innovative labour market.
Universal Basic Income offers a promising solution as the workforce undergoes seismic shifts due to automation. By ensuring financial security for all, UBI not only mitigates the adverse effects of technology on employment, but also champions innovation and creativity across the entire country.
AI is there to support us, not replace us, so in embracing this progressive idea, society can shape a future where technological advancements uplift rather than displace its people.
Love, light & logic ...
STEFFI LEWIS Independent UK SaaS Developer - Creator of YourPCM & sBlogIt!
Would you like to know more?
If anything I've written in my blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more of my thoughts about the rise of AI, displaced workforces and Universal Basic Income, do feel free to connect with me on Linkedin as I love to meet like-minded individuals with similar passions to myself.
Based in the charming village of Hanslope in Buckinghamshire, UK, I bring over 30 years of experience in web development. From creating my first website for the Open University in 1993, through being part of the dot com boom, to my explorations in SaaS and AI over the last few years, my journey has been a rich tapestry of web projects, big and small, both funded and bootstrapped.
Originally developed during the pandemic, at the start of 2025, I released the next iteration of YourPCM, version 2, which is all about 'Easy Contact Management for Small Business Owners'. Is it a CRM? Yes, but I don't call it that because people glaze over at the mention of such things. CRMs are boring, difficult to get to grips with, and it's a nightmare to get help when you need it.
YourPCM is none of those things! It's simple to use, well-supported, feature rich and beautiful, right out of the box. It's available on a simple monthly subscription with no long-term tie-in. Book a demo or grab your own 14-working-day free trial and discover why YourPCM is all about easy contact management for small business owners.
My head is in the cloud, my heart belongs to the web, and my soul is filled with such beautiful code 💗
I read on BBC News recently about the heartbreaking case of 16-year-old Adam Raine from California, who took his own life. His parents allege that over months of conversations with ChatGPT, the AI model not only validated his...
It's been a while coming! All my attention has been on sBlogIt! since the start of the year, and I've finally got it to a place where I'm really happy with it, and it's doing exactly what I want it to do. So, let's turn my at...
There are valid concerns about whether AI is rising too fast, leading to societal disruption and even a possible collapse. However, this powerful technology also offers unprecedented opportunities for improvement across vario...
A research team at MIT has used generative AI to create novel, lab-made antibiotic candidates that suppress drug‑resistant superbugs in laboratory and animal studies. The models explored tens of millions of possibilities, des...
A couple of weeks ago, I had a bit of a weird conversation with a marketing 'guru' who wanted to create a blog for her client. I wasn't too impressed when she blurted out something that I proved wrong years ago, but it got me...
As our technological landscape evolves, it becomes evident to me that when AI grows up, it will play a central role in shaping our economy. Automation promises to refine efficiency and productivity, leading to a future where ...
It's interesting how my coding process has developed over the years. Sometimes my inner coder girl happily works away for hours, days, weeks and months without a single whinge, but just recently she refused to come out and pl...
As AI search becomes increasingly popular, traditional SEO methods are struggling. Many companies report substantial decreases in web traffic because users now prefer asking AI directly. Adopting strategies that cater to AI s...
Here's a guide to National Insurance for side hustlers. It explains Class 2 NIC changes, voluntary payments for low profits, and Class 4 when earnings ...
Here's a quick take on the Autumn Budget 2025. Expect debate over borrowing, tax changes, and what HMRC may tweak, with winners and losers likely. Kee ...
If you're just about to start renovating your home, then wouldn't it be far easier if you moved out? All that dust, noise, and lack of privacy with bu ...
Here's how to create career opportunities in times of uncertainty with clarity and smart action. Define what you want, map your skills to value, and u ...