Labour

Contrary to widespread claims, receiving a universal basic income was not a reason for participants in the study to quit their jobs: the percentage of those employed was and remained almost identical in both the group receiving the basic income and the control group. There was also no change in the number of hours worked per week. On average, all study participants worked 40 hours – with or without a basic income.

During the three-year study period, a significantly higher percentage of the basic income group changed jobs compared to the control group.

These job changes mostly occurred within the first 18 months of the payout period.

After 18 months, participants receiving a basic income were significantly more satisfied with their working lives – regardless of whether or not they had changed jobs.

In addition to more frequent job changes, the study data also shows that the basic income group devoted more attention to continuing education. The percentage of those who enrolled in academic studies increased significantly compared to the control group.

Satisfaction with income was significantly higher in the basic income group than in the control group. Even though this effect might seem obvious, it is essential for the study: it proves that the study design is coherent and measures what it is intended to measure.