Events
Note: Click on events to see the outputs and reports
UBI Lab: What could a UBI do for my Union?
We invite you to an enlightening event where we will explore the potential benefits of Universal Basic Income (UBI) for trade unions and their members. This is a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about how UBI could bolster our collective bargaining power, provide financial security for our members, and contribute to a fairer society. We will continue our discussion from Basic Income North 2023 on what UBI can do for unions and how union members can support UBI.
We will explore various themes, such as the value of paid and unpaid work and the importance of solidarity.
Sign up link here
Panel
Chair: Maddy Radcliff- Campaigns and Social Media Manager, Musicians' Union.
John McDonnell MP - Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington and former Shadow Chancellor.
Vicky Blake - Leeds University UCU Honorary Secretary and former UCU General Secretary contender.
Jonathan Rhys Williams - Lawyer GMB Wales and South West and Co-founder of UBI Lab Wales.
Balraj Samrai - musician, facilitator and youth worker
There is significant complexity surrounding Trade Unions and their position on a Universal Basic Income. However, UBI is fully in line with trade union principles; solidarity, workplace representation, rights, equality and democracy. A UBI can be used as a tool for Trade Unions (for members and organisations).
For example, when in dispute, a UBI provides an indefinite strike fund. As a UBI is non-withdrawable, striking members would be able to rely on this as a ‘basic income’, meaning that members could still meet their monthly outgoings, whilst being able to remain on strike – forcing the employer back to the negotiating table and strengthening the hand of the Union.
A UBI is a monthly sum paid to everyone to act as a basic income on top of work. This is so people can pursue opportunities which require financial help, do work they want to do whether that is paid or unpaid volunteering and to act as a safety net in case of unexpected situations.
Tackling Homelessness with Unconditional Cash Transfers
Overview
Despite the valiant efforts of many individuals and organisations, the rate of homelessness in Greater Manchester is still increasing.
A study by Shelter published in January 2023 stated that the three local authorities with the worst homelessness rate in the North West were all within Greater Manchester: Manchester, Salford and Oldham. Both the total number of homeless people and the rate of homelessness in Manchester have been steadily increasing over the last five years, according to Shelter’s annual reports – despite homelessness prevention schemes by local authorities like Manchester City Council.
So what is to be done? Are there any radical ideas we could try to turn this tanker around?
Come to a discussion on how giving unconditional cash to people who are homeless is helping them turn their own lives around. Is this an approach that could work in Greater Manchester, and in the many other places across the UK where homelessness is entrenched?
Given how entrenched homelessness has become and the failure of current programmes to tackle it, we think new approaches like basic income need to be tried. Join us at this online event to discuss how to change the approach to solving homelessness.
Speakers
Frances Darlington-Pollock CEO of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity will open with an overview of the present homelessness situation across Greater Manchester
Mark Donovan Founder & Executive Director of the Denver Basic Income Project will tell us about the exciting interim results in Denver where homeless people are making great changes in their lives thanks to regular cash pay-outs
Jonathan Tan Co-Founder & CEO of Greater Change will outline the success his organisation has had in giving out one-off payments to people who are homeless in Oxford and London
Recording: https://youtu.be/0qySlVv7nTI?si=v9maYTSDSh2aypj3
Basic Income North Conference
Free to attend - Book your spot here
With prominent business and government leaders backing calls to implement universal basic income (UBI), the idea is receiving high levels of coverage and interest across the north of England.
But what is UBI? How might it work, what might be the benefits, and is this something that could work in the North? These questions will be examined and pondered upon in this joint Basic Income North and RSA event.
UBI Lab Manchester: Next Steps for Greater Manchester
Virtual Event 💻
FREE to attend - Sign up here
Following our highly enjoyable meeting at Bundobust Piccadilly in March, we now want to get together online to plan our next steps as a Lab.
We’ll use the discussions we had around the table as a starting point, but anyone who couldn’t make the meeting is extremely welcome to come along this time and give their comments and ideas. If you’ve got the time to have a quick look before the meeting, you’ll find ideas and pictures from the Bundobust event.
Eat, Chat, Draw - A UBI Lab Manchester Social at Bundobust
Come and join us at Bundobust for an evening of free Indian street food, meeting other Lab members, and putting our collective heads together to create ideas for a leaflet about UBI to spread the word across Greater Manchester.
How will UBI impact inflation? Talking to people outside the bubble
Virtual Event 💻
Josien Piek, a macroeconomist from UBI Lab Den Haag, led us in a discussion on how to answer a crucial question - if we give everyone more money, won’t that lead to inflation?
You can see Josien’s slides, the YouTube recording, and Workshop notes here ->
December Meet-Up
In this monthly meeting, we will be tackling the questions and challenges that come up when we talk to people about Universal Basic Income. Come along with the questions that you have been asked, and the things that you'd like more information and evidence on yourself, and we’ll throw these ideas around and see what we can come up with.
November Online Meeting
Virtual Event 💻
We are at an exciting UBI moment in Greater Manchester! The interest and momentum is growing across a wide range of people, groups and interests. Our Mayor Andy Burnham is really behind the idea, and wants Greater Manchester to carry out the first UBI pilot in England (Wales, Ireland and Scotland are miles ahead of us I'm afraid - we need to catch up!)
September Get Together and Informal Meeting
Interested in joining the Manchester group and finding out more about UBI and what they do?
They’re having an in-person and informal meet-up for anyone who is interested in joining the Manchester UBI Lab group. Please register via Action Network if you are interested - link or fill in the form.
Basic Income North, 2022 Conference
A full day conference exploring universal basic income in the North.
With prominent business and government leaders backing calls to implement universal basic income (UBI), the idea is receiving high levels of coverage and interest across the north of England.
But what is UBI? How might it work, what might be the benefits, and is this something that could work in the North? These questions will be examined and pondered upon in this joint RSA and Basic Income North event.
UBI Lab Manchester: Would a Universal Basic Income transform Greater Manchester? With Andy Burnham
This February, Andy Burnham will join a diverse range of panellists to discuss the issues most important to Greater Manchester.
Could a Universal Basic Income be part of the solution to some of the city's most pressing social issues?
Each panellist will bring a different perspective to this inclusive and detailed conversation – and there'll be plenty of time for your questions and a discussion.
View event details and Youtube recording of the event here ->