Production is breaking out of its traditional framework, notably the need for a labour force. Indeed, if Europe is to be competitive, the latest technology must be adopted, to avoid social dumping. It is impossible to exist socially without income. This primary income, to which other sources could be added, would be very lightly taxed, while the growth it would foster would generate direct and indirect taxes to fill the coffers of the state. Philippe Van Parijs Only yesterday seen as utopian, an unconditional and universal minimum income now appears a viable alternative to all the unsuccessful attempts so far made to deal with unemployment.
Unemployment can be a trap.
The dole offers better security than precarious employment, since losing a job means running up debts until dole is re-established. With so many employers re-locating to cheap labour markets elsewhere, the number of people employed at the minimum rate is increasing. A universal allowance would mean that losing a job would no longer spell social exclusion. A guaranteed social income is defined as a sufficient sum allocated to everyone, not linked to the value of work accomplished, but to the extent of need. People should not depend as goods do on the fluctuations of the market.