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The idea of universal basic income is today backed by a right-wing think tank.

The Adam Smith Institute says the Government should look at paying everyone in the country a flat wage regardless of whether they are in work.

It says governments risk a populist backlash if jobs are replaced by machines and robots and people are left without money or employment.

A report last year warned that 4million private sector jobs in the UK could be replaced by robots and artificial intelligence (AI) in the next ten years.

“Basic Income could help secure popular support for the changes that automation and globalisation will bring, while cash transfers allow the unemployed and retain the dignity of personal choice,” the report says.

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has set up a working group to explore the benefits of a universal basic income.

(Image: Getty)

It has also been backed by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg.

The Adam Smith Institute says the Government should follow Canada, Finland, Uganda and California which are trailing forms of universal basic income.

The local government in Ontario has set up a scheme to pay 2,500 people that ensure a minimum income level of at least Canadian $1,320 (£766) a month, regardless of employment status.

In Finland, 2,000 unemployed people across the country are being given a universal basic income of €560 (£494) a month for two years.

Sam Dumitriu, dead of research at the Adam Smith Institute, said: “New developments in machine learning, from driverless cars to AI medical diagnostics, will change the way we live, work, and play for the better.

“But they also risk disrupting traditional professions and career paths, from lorry drivers to lawyers.

“To avoid a populist backlash, we need to design policies for those left-behind by creative destruction.

“Attempts to protect jobs through Luddite regulation will backfire and mass retraining schemes have a shaky track record.

“Cash transfers are our best bet at ensuring the benefits from coming technological change are felt by everyone.”