Where basic income fits in the future of work - and why it matters to business

Discussion around universal basic income – an unconditional cash payment given to all citizens regardless of wealth – has been framed in the context of the increasing automation of work.

But it's the global pandemic that has shown the feasibility of a basic income approach.

OUBS Academic Dr Charles Barthold explains what a basic income is, why the circumstances are right to test it now and why business should be involved in the debate.

Charles is a Senior Lecturer at The Open University Business School and a member of the Research into Employment, Empowerment and Futures (REEF) academic centre of excellence.

The Research into Employment, Empowerment and Futures group (REEF) is proud to be partnering with The People Space. This article was originally published on The People Space website; click to read the original article.

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CVSL Conference 2026: Voluntary Sector Leadership - what next?

Thursday, May 21, 2026 - 10:00 to 16:30

The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA

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