THE RSA report sets out case studies of how universal basic income would work in real life situations.

Martin, 44, left his job in the public sector to start his own business as a self-employed photographer. When he was first starting out, he and his partner suffered the loss of their first baby soon after childbirth. With no paid compassionate leave, he decided to take his basic opportunity dividend. The £5000 he and his partner each received gave them some time to grieve and allowed Martin to build his business through a difficult time.

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Adam, 23, started working in a bank after leaving school, progressing from frontline roles in customer service to an analyst of mobile banking. Later he moved to work for a railway company managing trains. Initially he was not worried about job security but later recognised it may become an issue as automation would be likely to affect his industry. He came across a qualification he wanted to do in transport planning which would allow him to move into a more highly skilled role. The basic opportunity fund helped support him while he did the course.

Kafui, 34, had been a sales associate at a clothing and jewellery store for six years. She started working at the shop while studying for a degree in pharmaceutical science. She was on a permanent contract, paid an hourly wage of £8.30, but did not get a bonus or commission for sales. Staff were also expected to purchase discounted clothing to wear to work in an attempt to attract customers. Though poorly paid she needed the job as the flexible hours it offered allowed her to balance her childcare commitments. The flexibility left her with a reduced income and struggling to pay the bills. She decided to take her opportunity dividend in order to take up the chance to pursue a Masters, allowing her to seek better paid opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry.

Polly, 23, was a care worker, rising early to make it to her first call at 7am. She helped clients wash, dress and take their medication in the mornings and then squeeze in some paperwork before heading home for a break at noon. She ate her dinner and then returned for a second shift from 4pm to 10pm, although she’ll often clock out later. She was in the job for a year and a half, felt passionate about the work and was recognised for doing her job well.

She was asked to train new recruits and given the opportunity to undertake a paid NVQ in health and social care. However, she declined the offer of the new role as she thought the job so poorly paid she wouldn’t be staying in it for long. She used her opportunity dividend to provide her with basic security as she looked to find a new workplace that was more rewarding, supportive and economically secure.