READERS’ LETTERS: Make the choice to combat modern slavery

READERS’ LETTERS: Make the choice to combat modern slavery

© PA Protesters throw a statue of Edward Colston into Bristol Harbour during a Black Lives Matter protest rally. Sir, – Since lockdown began, there has rightly been an increased appreciation of all the ‘key workers’ who have been ensuring we are well stocked with food and medical supplies, and there have been many accounts of acts of kindness.

More recent headlines are focused on less appealing human characteristics, such as racist attitudes and abuse of power, which lay at the heart of the slave trade.

While the transatlantic slave trade was abolished more than 200 years ago, sadly slavery itself […]

Bare Bones Brexit Deal ‘Unacceptable’ to Many EU Member States, Journalist Says

Bare Bones Brexit Deal ‘Unacceptable’ to Many EU Member States, Journalist Says

According to reports, President of the European Commission Ursula Von Der Leyen could be set to convince her counterparts in Brussels, to accept a so-called bare bones Brexit deal.

The arrangement would likely focus on ensuring that smooth trading ties are maintained, as both the UK and the EU’s economies have taken a hit, during the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic. Journalist David Lindsay gave his views on the matter.

Sputnik: Will European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen’s proposals for a bare bones Brexit deal be accepted by the rest of the EU member states? David Lindsay: I think that […]

How Cryptocurrency Can Help in Paying Universal Basic Income

How Cryptocurrency Can Help in Paying Universal Basic Income

Due to the crisis caused by COVID-19 , millions of people have lost all or part of their income. To support them, governments have been giving out money to victims. Is it possible to make this practice permanent? And if so, why will we need state digital currencies?

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the United States, Canada, Japan, Russia and many other countries to print large budget reserves and to start helping people with direct cash payments. Such measures have, again, led the world to talk about the idea of an unconditional or universal basic income, otherwise known as UBI, […]

Coronavirus – Africa: Conflict-Affected countries need a cash boost of $1.7 Billion in 2020 to limit the threat of hunger from COVID-19

New analysis from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) estimates the “cost of living” for refugees and vulnerable populations in COVID-hit countries like Yemen, Afghanistan, and Somalia; in conflict-affected countries, a cash boost of $1.7 billion is needed to limit the threat of hunger brought on by COVID-19, with $760 million specific to vulnerable people in high refugee-hosting developing countries; government donors have been “too slow” in getting financial resources to the most vulnerable. IRC is calling for donors, the private sector, international financial institutions and G20 countries to mobilize to provide humanitarian cash payments to individuals in need; as […]

Fair pay pilot plan for North Ayrshire

Fair pay pilot plan for North Ayrshire

Joe Cullinane A UNIVERSAL basic income pilot is being planned for North Ayrshire – with a report recommending individuals regardless of benefits or income be given a regular unconditional payment.

A Citizens Basic Income (CBI) pilot in Scotland feasibility study has been completed with the draft final report stating a pilot would be desirable.

Over the past two years, North Ayrshire, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Fife councils worked together with NHS Health Scotland and the Improvement Service to explore the feasibility of a Scottish CBI pilot.The concept is based on offering every individual, regardless of existing welfare benefits or earned income, an […]

Second Stimulus Check Vs. $4,000 Travel Tax Credit: Pros And Cons

Second Stimulus Check Vs. $4,000 Travel Tax Credit: Pros And Cons

President Donald Trump (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) Getty Images Will you get a second stimulus check or a $4,000 travel tax credit in the next stimulus?

Here’s what you need to know. Second Stimulus Check

Many Americans are hoping for a second stimulus check. More than 40 million Americans have filed for unemployment . In many sectors of the economy — from restaurants to retail to travel — jobs have been lost, profits have suffered and bankruptcies have been filed. Congress authorized a first stimulus check through the CARES Act, which was the $2.2 trillion financial stimulus package. The […]

Universal Basic Income (UBI)

Universal Basic Income (UBI)

What is a Universal Basic Income (UBI)?

While it does not yet exist as a practical reality in the United States, the concept of a universal basic income – or UBI – is similar to the concept of minimum wage . Each individual receives an agreed-upon minimum income (basic income) with the intent that the income allows a person to afford the basic cost of living while maintaining some semblance of financial security or independence. The key difference (besides the fact that UBI is theoretical) is the fact that the government would pay each individual a universal basic income […]

The Hour of the Basic Income

The Hour of the Basic Income

The spread of COVID-19 has exposed the inadequacy of measures nations claimed they had, to deal with a crisis. A microorganism succeeded in locking down nations, disrupting markets, and exposing loopholes in the existing policies and welfare systems. As India wades through the stormy seas of averting a health crisis, millions are left bereft of livelihoods and safety nets. The plight of migrant workers has brought to light the true state of our social infrastructure as they were denied basic services to even get back home.

Thomas More in his 16th century book titled Utopia wrote ‘ …provide everyone with […]

Over 55 million domestic workers around the world are at risk of losing jobs due to lockdown

Over 55 million domestic workers around the world are at risk of losing jobs due to lockdown

In some regions domestic workers are predominantly migrants who rely on their pay to support their families in their countries of origin. Over 55 million domestic workers around the world are at significant risk of losing their jobs and income due to lockdown and lack of effective social security coverage during the Covid-19 pandemic, the International Labour Organization ( ILO ) said. The vast majority, 37 million, of these domestic workers are women.

An ILO assessment at the beginning of June shows that the worst affected region are Southeast Asia and the Pacific where 76% of domestic workers are at […]

Conflict-Affected Countries Need Cash Boost of $1.7 Billion in 2020 to Limit the Threat of Hunger from COVID-19

Conflict-Affected Countries Need Cash Boost of $1.7 Billion in 2020 to Limit the Threat of Hunger from COVID-19

New analysis from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) estimates the “cost of living” for refugees and vulnerable populations in COVID-hit countries like Yemen, Afghanistan, and Somalia.

In conflict-affected countries, a cash boost of $1.7 billion is needed to limit the threat of hunger brought on by COVID-19, with $760 million specific to vulnerable people in high refugee-hosting developing countries.

IRC is calling for donors, the private sector, international financial institutions and G20 countries to mobilize to provide humanitarian cash payments to individuals in need. As richer countries experiment with cash payments and Universal Basic Income amidst economic crises, […]