Recommendation 25

The evidence we have heard suggests that changes such as automation are unlikely to lead to mass unemployment. That does not mean that there will be no displacement at all, especially as job roles and requirements change, and it is vital that people who do find themselves out of work have access to a robust safety net. Some people DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work 53 have argued that a Universal Basic Income could act not only as a safety net for the unemployed, but also provide people with underlying financial security should they decide to undertake training or start their own business. A Universal Basic Income would, however, be extremely expensive, and would not target support at people who need it most. Instead, it risks diverting resources away from the existing social security system and other vital public services. We are not convinced that it would be the right way forward for social security in the UK. Instead, we recommend that the Department should focus its efforts on ensuring that the value of benefit payments under the current system are sufficient to meet claimants’ basic needs.