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 💗
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