We, the undersigned, are a broad group of concerned citizens. Our numbers include senior NHS figures and medical leaders, leaders of the charity sector, Members of the Houses of Lords and Commons, local Councillors, political party leaders and senior academics.
While we are delighted that the Chancellor has recognised the urgent need to use fiscal measures to prop up economic demand, we urge him to consider a Universal Basic Income, alongside other measures like wage subsidies, to guarantee security for everyone during this crisis. This is particularly the case for the millions not in salaried employment – those who are self-employed, unemployed, on zero-hours contracts, in the gig economy and those caring for loved ones.
The Chancellor has announced that the British government will pay the wages of workers to enable their employers to keep them on as the coronavirus pandemic spreads. His statement outlined plans for the state to pay grants worth up to 80% of the salary of workers retained by their companies, up to a total of £2,500 per month.
