Press Release 9 November 2025
The collapse of Fastway and its entry into receivership once again points out the shortcomings of our welfare payments system. The insolvency process requires that there be a 30 day statutory consultation period. This renders people as technically employed but not in receipt of their pay for 30 days. This prevents them from accessing job seekers allowance for this period.
Basic Income Ireland would argue that this system is not fit for purpose. It limits people’s access to an income through no fault of their own. Basic Income Ireland proposes that all adults should be paid a basic income. This would alleviate the worry of losing access to employment and also lead to greater scrutiny of desirable paid and unpaid work.
Dr Colette Finn says: “In a basic income system, the Fastway workers would be getting their basic income payments already, without any effect on their other entitlements.”
A basic income supports social care and shows solidarity to those in need, by guaranteeing everyone’s basic financial security. It improves everyone’s quality of life, curbs extreme inequality, supports good physical and mental health, encourages participation in society and the economy, and provides a platform for innovation and enterprise.
The Basic Income for the Arts pilot came about as a result of the pandemic. Artists were deprived of the means to earn a living from their work. This led to the development of a scheme which guaranteed an unconditional weekly payment for three years. This scheme has been funded and made permanent in the most recent budget although the details have yet to be published.
Bobby Lambert says: “We need to rethink how people access an income. A money system where some have no access to an income is not fit for purpose. Accumulated wealth can be returned to the money system through the taxation system which is used to fund services to all.”
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Fastway collapse shows we need Basic Income for all
Published by Basic Income Ireland on
Press Release 9 November 2025
The collapse of Fastway and its entry into receivership once again points out the shortcomings of our welfare payments system. The insolvency process requires that there be a 30 day statutory consultation period. This renders people as technically employed but not in receipt of their pay for 30 days. This prevents them from accessing job seekers allowance for this period.
Basic Income Ireland would argue that this system is not fit for purpose. It limits people’s access to an income through no fault of their own. Basic Income Ireland proposes that all adults should be paid a basic income. This would alleviate the worry of losing access to employment and also lead to greater scrutiny of desirable paid and unpaid work.
Dr Colette Finn says: “In a basic income system, the Fastway workers would be getting their basic income payments already, without any effect on their other entitlements.”
A basic income supports social care and shows solidarity to those in need, by guaranteeing everyone’s basic financial security. It improves everyone’s quality of life, curbs extreme inequality, supports good physical and mental health, encourages participation in society and the economy, and provides a platform for innovation and enterprise.
The Basic Income for the Arts pilot came about as a result of the pandemic. Artists were deprived of the means to earn a living from their work. This led to the development of a scheme which guaranteed an unconditional weekly payment for three years. This scheme has been funded and made permanent in the most recent budget although the details have yet to be published.
Bobby Lambert says: “We need to rethink how people access an income. A money system where some have no access to an income is not fit for purpose. Accumulated wealth can be returned to the money system through the taxation system which is used to fund services to all.”
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