Switzerland : The Guaranteed income

Let them be idle

Switzerland have always prided themselves on having direct democracy. This means that if the public want to hold a national referendum all they need is for 100,000 individuals to sign their petition. A ballot then HAS TO be held. This literally means if the Swiss people wanted beer to be free in their country, all they'd need to do is get the number of signatures required and a ballot would then take place at a later date.

But why introduce a Guaranteed income?
Many Swiss voters are outraged by the banks who have supposedly been dishing out bonuses to executives whilst claiming huge losses and taxing their users more severely. Many are disappointed at what could be the growing problem of income inequality due to the devious activities of those handling their wages.

What do the firms have to say?
Many board members and chief executives of national firms have dismissed this new income saying that it would be a stretch too far on government spending. Also, they feel that a guaranteed income will encourage more people to become idle acting as a major disincentive to seek employment. They fear that targets for economic growth which are steadily being reached will be brought tumbling down if younger generations are not consuming as much goods as hoped.

What do the people say?
Many feel that it won't be a negative on idleness and this safeguard measure will allow people to pursue to career that they are passionate and devout about. Without some sufficient means to live on if unemployed, some turn to working in industries which don't necessarily appeal to them but provide much needed cash. The supposed rise in tax by 10% hasn't changed many minds on this issue.

How much will it be?
The initial set amount for this new income is said to be 2,500 Swiss francs (£1,750) a month but this is thought to be under the standard of living at just over £430 a week. This puts into context how much Switzerland's economy is thriving and makes one wonder whether they need this new policy if there isn't a said rise in unemployment.