UK Considers Universal Basic Income as AI Reshapes Workforce, Says Minister

In a bold and unprecedented statement that could reshape the future of work in Britain, investment minister and Labour peer Lord Jason Stockwood has suggested that the UK may need to implement a universal basic income (UBI) to cushion the blow of widespread job displacement caused by artificial intelligence.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Stockwood warned that the rapid integration of AI into the economy will bring about “bumpy” societal changes, with certain industries facing immediate and irreversible disruption. He emphasized the need for “some sort of concessionary arrangement” to support workers whose jobs are rendered obsolete overnight by automation and machine learning technologies.

The proposal marks a significant shift in the political conversation around AI and employment. While UBI has long been a topic of academic and activist debate, it has rarely been floated as a serious policy option by sitting government ministers—until now.

“We’re going to have to think really carefully about how we soft-land those industries that go away,” Stockwood said. “Some sort of [universal basic income], some sort of lifelong mechanism as well so people can retrain.”

Universal basic income is not currently part of official UK government policy. However, Stockwood’s remarks suggest that behind closed doors, policymakers are actively considering how to mitigate the socioeconomic fallout from AI-driven job losses. When pressed on whether UBI was being discussed at the highest levels of government, he confirmed: “People are definitely talking about it.”

The concept of UBI involves providing all citizens with a regular, unconditional sum of money from the government, regardless of employment status. Proponents argue it could provide a safety net in an era where traditional jobs are increasingly under threat from automation. Critics, however, warn of the immense cost and potential disincentives to work.

Stockwood’s comments come at a time when AI is advancing at breakneck speed. From chatbots and virtual assistants to autonomous vehicles and algorithmic trading, the technology is already transforming industries ranging from retail and logistics to finance and healthcare. While AI promises increased efficiency and innovation, it also raises urgent questions about the future of human labor.

The minister’s stance reflects a growing recognition among policymakers that the transition to an AI-driven economy cannot be left to market forces alone. Without intervention, the displacement of workers could lead to increased inequality, social unrest, and economic instability.

Interestingly, Stockwood—who has previously been a vocal advocate for a wealth tax in the UK—told the FT that he has not renewed his calls for higher taxes on the rich. However, he did not shy away from criticizing those who prioritize tax avoidance over community investment.

“If you make your money and the first thing you do is you speak to a tax adviser to ask: ‘Where can we pay the lowest tax?’ we don’t want those people in this country, I’d suggest, because you’re not committed to your communities and the long-term success in this country.”

His remarks underscore a broader ethical debate about the responsibilities of the wealthy in an age of technological disruption. As AI concentrates wealth and power in the hands of a few, the question of who bears the cost of societal adaptation becomes increasingly urgent.

While the UK government has yet to commit to any concrete UBI policy, Stockwood’s comments signal that the idea is no longer confined to the fringes of political discourse. If adopted, a UBI could represent one of the most significant welfare reforms in modern British history—a radical reimagining of the social contract in the age of AI.

As the world stands on the cusp of an AI revolution, the UK’s willingness to explore bold solutions like UBI may set a precedent for other nations grappling with the same challenges. Whether or not UBI becomes a reality, one thing is clear: the conversation about the future of work—and who gets to share in the benefits of technological progress—is only just beginning.

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