Tag Archives: Income distribution

03Oct/23

Is this a carrot and stick?

Oct. 2, 2023 /Economy/ — The UK Chancellor’s decision to raise the minimum wage and impose sanctions on people claiming state benefits who refuse to take available jobs can be seen as a carrot and stick approach.

The carrot is the increase in the minimum wage. This will give low-paid workers more money to spend, which will boost the economy and help people to afford basic necessities. The stick is the sanctions that will be imposed on people who refuse to take available jobs. These sanctions could include a reduction in benefits, or even a complete loss of benefits. Continue reading

07Jul/23

How holidaying in developing countries affects local inequality

A few years ago, one of us (Alex) went for a vacation to the Dominican Republic. The motivation was similar to millions of other tourists every year: escape the daily routine, enjoy the sun and beaches, and gather some strength to face another cold winter.

Unfortunately, a few things weren’t very conducive to a happy break. The staff at the mammoth hotel were making as little as US$1 (£0.79) for a 12-hour shift. Worse, most of them lived in a shanty town nearby. They had no sewers and no reliable electricity.

The hotel also exploited its power over local farmers to procure food exceedingly cheaply. Schools were overcrowded and many children dropped out to work in businesses like these hotels and farms, perpetuating the cycle.

Continue reading

05Jun/23

Universal basic income trial in UK

June 5, 2023 /Finance/ — There is a universal basic income (UBI) trial being conducted in the UK. The trial is being led by the Welsh Government and is being funded by the UK government. The trial began in September 2021 and will run for three years.

The trial started in September 2021, and it is scheduled to run for three years. The trial is being conducted in two parts: Continue reading