There has been a buzz recently about the idea of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) and why it could be a solution to technological unemployment.VOX reported a few days ago that Y Combinator, a start-up incubator, is about to start a five-year research project on how a UBI could work. Noah Kulwin over at re/code also has a useful article on this including a broad overview over … [Read more...] about Basic income no, job guarantee yes
Robots, the digital economy and fair shares for all
In this interview, which was first published on Social Europe and is used here with permission, Richard B. Freeman, Herbert Ascherman Professor of Economics at Harvard University and Co-Director of the Labor and Worklife Program at Harvard Law School, joins Social Europe Editor-in-Chief Henning Meyer to discuss the impact of technological changes on the world of work. Will … [Read more...] about Robots, the digital economy and fair shares for all
The (un)intended consequences of that Greek deal
There we have it. After a marathon session in Brussels last night there is a “deal” that is supposed to keep Greece in the Eurozone and set the country onto a path of sustainable economic recovery. You might well question the nature of this “deal” given that it turns a sovereign country effectively into a protectorate as at least one of the Eurozone leaders – Robert Fico – … [Read more...] about The (un)intended consequences of that Greek deal
What now for Greece and the euro?
The result of yesterday’s referendum could not be any clearer. An overwhelming majority of Greeks rejected the proposal of further austerity without dealing with the long-term sustainability of the Greek debt. But has this made a deal more likely? I don’t think so but as time is running out quickly it has at least forced a decision in the next few days.Here is what I think … [Read more...] about What now for Greece and the euro?
Four reasons why Labour lost
The post mortem over Labour's election defeat began as soon as the first exit poll emerged on May 7 and continues. Some commentators believe the party is a corpse that cannot be resuscitated - especially in Scotland. Others argue that, with a new leader, it should "return to its socialist roots", "track back to the Blairite centre ground," "reinvent itself as a European social … [Read more...] about Four reasons why Labour lost