Finland UBI success can pave way for Scotland
The success of trials of the Universal Basic Income scheme in Finland can pave the way for Scotland to implement the idea, the Scottish Greens have said.
A new evaluation of the Finnish trial has found the scheme, which gave randomly selected unemployed people a regular monthly income, had a positive rather than a negative impact on employment.
It also boosted recipients’ mental and financial well-being.
Finland’s scheme ran from 2017-2018 and paid 2,000 randomly selected unemployed people a regular monthly income of €560 (£490), with no obligation to seek a job.
Survey respondents who received a basic income were more satisfied with their lives and experienced less mental strain, depression and loneliness.
Basic income recipients also trusted other people and social institutions to a larger extent, and were more confident in their own future.
Scottish Greens have long called for the introduction of a UBI in Scotland, and Green Councillors have been involved in the 2-year Scottish Government-funded study conducted by Glasgow, Edinburgh, North Ayrshire and Fife Councils. The Scottish study will issue its final report in June.
Scottish Green social security spokesperson Alison Johnstone said:
“The crisis we are facing has revealed the UK’s safety net is full of holes, and shows that now, more than ever, we need a Universal Basic Income to provide a reliable, unconditional source of income for everyone.
“This week’s evidence from Finland is a huge boost for UBI in Scotland, with recipients reporting improved mental health and financial security, among other benefits. What’s more, it has disproved the theory that a UBI would be a disincentive for work
“It is more evidence, if more were needed, that Scotland needs to urgently work to introduce a Universal Basic Income for all.”
Scottish Greens have led calls for a UBI in Scotland, and on Friday co-leader Patrick Harvie chaired a Scottish Greens Live discussion with Basic Income UK on the role a universal basic income could play in building Scotland's new post-Covid economy.