The economic and social crisis caused by the coronavirus has substantially increased the need for a basic income. The tools of today can’t safeguard an entire nation’s wellbeing during this period of unprecedented, universal uncertainty. Moreover, the hard truth is when this lockdown ends, there will be future shocks, be they epidemiological or environmental. The level of economic uncertainty we now face is here to stay. It will loom large long after the battle against coronavirus is won. 

In this paper, Compass associate, Stewart Lansley outlines how, whilst an emergency/immediate basic income might not be possible at the moment, the case for a recovery Basic Income, which would provide vital support in the later stages and aftermath of the crisis is especially strong, paving the way, eventually, for a permanent basic income.