Sir, – While the ever-increasing automation of work will inevitably necessitate something like a livable universal basic income (Letters, August 17th), we’re not at that point yet! And it’s premature introduction would only serve to draw the ire of those still stuck in full-time (or even overtime) work who then feel they’re subsidising those who decide to drop out and live entirely on UBI. A better approach might be to, insofar as is possible, share the remaining workload by reducing the number of hours (or even days per week) that constitute “full time”, and legally mandate significant overtime pay raises for anything beyond that, which would incentivise greater employment over overworking existing employees. – Yours, etc,
WILL BREEN,
Cork.