UBI promotes labor mobility---that’s key to productivity
Painter, et al, 18, leads the RSA’s Research and Impact team, overseeing our research, policy, publications and practical innovation. Anthony is an award winning policy and social innovator. He leads the RSA’s social change work covering economic security, future of work, education, lifelong learning, local democracy and regenerative futures. He has been a leading voice, writer and presenter on the RSA’s platforms for almost a decade. (Anthony, “Pathways to Universal Basic Income The case for a Universal Basic Opportunity Fund,” RSA Action and Research Centre, https://www.thersa.org/globalassets/pdfs/reports/rsa_pathways-to-universal-basic-income-report.pdf)//BB
A UBI could provide people with options to progress out of work that is increasingly defined by insecurity and intrusive control from above. Rather than an unrelenting battle with the stress of insecure work and an intrusive welfare state, a Basic Income could provide the financial breathing space to permit thoughts of career changes and progression as well as additional bargaining power with current employers. There is a sound economic rationale behind inducing a more mobile labour market to aide better skills matching and thus improved productivity. A recent OECD report showed that of 19 high income countries, Great Britain had the highest percentage of employees with skills underutilised, comprising 35 percent of the workforce.29. Self-reporting paints an even starker picture: 51 percent of UK employees report that their skills are being underutilised, among the highest levels in the EU. This compares to 33 percent in France, 36 percent in Netherlands, 37 percent in Sweden, 38 percent in Denmark and 45 percent in Germany.30. Quite simply, the UK is doing badly at getting the right people into the right jobs.31.