Basic income in Europe will face increasing scrutiny

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Economic Inequality ◽  
Basic Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Face ◽  
Five Star Movement ◽  
The Government ◽  
Single Instrument

Subject Universal basic income in Europe. Significance The appeal of universal basic income (UBI) programmes, which aim to give citizens 'free money' without conditions, has risen in recent years in the face of growing job insecurity as well as persistent social and economic inequality. UBI schemes are, however, falling short of aspirations largely due to costs and the difficulty of meeting targets. Impacts As Italy’s UBI is a flagship policy of the co-governing Five Star Movement (M5S), its future looks uncertain if the government collapses. Italy’s experience will highlight the difficulties of combating poverty and strengthening the labour force with a single instrument. Despite mixed results so far, trials of the scheme will continue to hold appeal, albeit in limited or 'UBI-lite' forms.

Factors discourage Kuwaiti employees to participate in the private sector labour force (Kuwaitization)

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 969-983
Author(s):  
Abdulla Al-Mutairi ◽  
Kamal Naser ◽  
Fatema Fayez
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Long Working Hours ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Computing Skills ◽  
Low Expectations ◽  
High Standards ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify factors discouraging Kuwaiti nationals from participating in the private sector labour force (Kuwaitization). Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was distributed to a sample of Kuwaiti nationals to identify the main reasons that prevent them from joining the private sector labour force. Findings The study revealed that low expectations of private sectors’ employers regarding Kuwaiti nationals discourage them from joining the sector. Kuwaiti nationals believe that the private sector employers look for high standards of communication and computing skills. They avoid working for the private sector because some jobs require working for two shifts and long working hours, and they cannot obtain frequent leave. Other factors that appeared to affect Kuwaiti nationals’ participation in the private sector labour force were lack of job security, fewer holidays, difficulty to obtain special pay leave or early retirement at lucrative terms, uncertainty about the prospect of promotion and job insecurity. Research limitations/implications The current study targets Kuwaiti national employees. To formulate a clear picture about the main factors that influence the success or otherwise of the Kuwaitization policy, it is of paramount importance to explore the opinion of the private sector employers. Practical implications The outcome of this study would be used by policymakers to promote Kuwaitization and increase Kuwaiti nationals’ participation in the private sector labour force. This will increase the country’s reliance on its national labour force and ensure sustainable economic and social development. Originality/value The outcome of this study is expected to assist the Kuwaiti authorities in reformulating the current Kuwaitization policies to achieve its objectives. The study is expected to draw some lessons applicable to other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Saudi subsidy reforms unlikely to spark major protests

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Oil ◽  
Basic Part ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Political Impact ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Government ◽  
Crown Prince ◽  
Economic Outlook

Subject Political impact of subsidy reform. Significance Saudi Arabia introduced its first major cut to energy subsidies in January, leading to a rise in petrol, diesel, fuel oil, natural gas and electricity prices. Further cuts will be necessary to avert a fiscal crisis -- but with cheap energy seen as a basic part of the social contract between the government and the population, such measures are expected to have wide-reaching political repercussions. Impacts A decision to reverse subsidy cuts in the face of protest would undercut government credibility and reduce the prospect of further reforms. Yet persisting with subsidy reforms could damage government legitimacy and political capital among the youth and lower classes. Successful reforms will improve the long-term economic outlook, and the succession prospects of Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Local dynamics exacerbate Africa copper sector woes

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Copper Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Safety Requirements ◽  
The Face ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Government ◽  
Slight Rise ◽  
Current Slump ◽  
Unemployment Problem

Subject Outlook for the copper sector in sub-Saharan Africa. Significance Africa's copper production is forecast to be marginally lower in 2016 at 1.823 million tonnes, compared to 1.895 million tonnes in 2015. This is due to production cutbacks implemented in the face of continued weakness in international -- especially Chinese -- demand. A slight rise in prices earlier in the year was not sustained, dampening the economic prospects for major exporting countries. Impacts The deaths of several miners at a Glencore mine in Zambia may push the government to enforce tougher safety requirements. Miners are unlikely to restore all the jobs shed during the current slump, extending the region's unemployment problem. Divisions within the Congolese opposition on whether to negotiate with Kabila on the delayed polls will exacerbate political tensions.

Malaysia's Najib will be stronger in 2016

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Prime Minister ◽  
Party Leader ◽  
Investment Fund ◽  
Political Contributions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Pressure ◽  
The Face ◽  
State Investment ◽  
The Government ◽  
National Organisation

Subject Political outlook for Malaysia's prime minister. Significance This year's United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) general assembly, which concluded on December 12, emphasised unity in the face of some party fragmentation. Party leader and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak used the meeting again to reject criticisms surrounding his government over the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state investment fund and political contributions. Despite infighting, the party assembly and some recent parliamentary victories imply Najib is consolidating his political position. Impacts Some UMNO critics of Najib may defect, but with a weak opposition coalition, defectors' influence would be limited. New security council legislation will alienate parts of Malaysian civil society. The government will face international pressure not to 'abuse' this legislation.

Italian stability hinges on M5S future and Salvini

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Party ◽  
Prime Minister ◽  
Far Right ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Private Sector Investment ◽  
Five Star Movement ◽  
The Government ◽  
National Coalition ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Litmus Test

Subject Italian political outlook. Significance On January 26, Italy’s co-ruling Democratic Party (PD) defeated Matteo Salvini’s far-right League party by 51.4% to 43.6% in elections in Emilia Romagna, a prosperous region of northern Italy. In what was a litmus test for the fragile national coalition between PD and the Five Star Movement (M5S), the PD victory has reduced the risk of a government collapse. Impacts Risk-averse investors will remain cautious about Italy over the next year. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte hopes the result will give the government the stability to cut taxes to boost private sector investment. Salvini’s support could decline if he continues to personalise the League’s election campaigns.

China could help Malaysia meet spending needs

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South China ◽  
Credit Ratings ◽  
Public Spending ◽  
Domestic Demand ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bank Of China ◽  
Special Purpose Vehicle ◽  
Defence Spending ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Government

Significance The government will probably create an off-budget 'special purpose vehicle' to manage the lending from the Export-Import Bank of China. Using this mechanism rather than including the project in the 2017 budget released in October demonstrates the fiscal and political constraints facing Malaysia's government in attempting to stimulate domestic demand in the face of weak revenues. Impacts Cuts of 12% to defence spending could affect Malaysian naval operations in the South China and Sulu Seas. Malaysia's budget challenges may provide an opening for China to invest more in Malaysian infrastructure. Off-budget borrowing, if not controlled, could threaten Malaysia's credit ratings and stifle accountable public spending.

Egypt's social policies will depend on deeper change

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Protection ◽  
Foreign Currency ◽  
Cash Transfers ◽  
Living Standards ◽  
Social Policies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Face ◽  
Fixed Prices ◽  
The Government ◽  
Protein Rich

Subject Egypt's social protection programmes. Significance A sizeable proportion of the population has been hit by the November 2016 currency devaluation, intended to quell distortions in the foreign currency market, in which the Egyptian pound lost more than half of its value. Living standards were hit hard, both by the effects of the 50% devaluation and by successive hikes in fixed prices for subsidised fuel and electricity. Inflation averaged 30% during 2017 and has only come down marginally to about 18% on average in the first eight months of 2018. The government has expanded its social protection system in the face of these pressures. Impacts The demand for protein-rich food will increase as cash transfers boost income. The cash provision is likely to lead to more overcrowding in schools in poor areas. The government will seek a political dividend from new social programmes as it tries to bolster its legitimacy.

Tensions will simmer in Ecuador despite subsidy U-turn

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Trade Unions ◽  
Presidential Elections ◽  
The Political ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Military Action ◽  
Political Landscape ◽  
Indigenous Groups ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Imf

Significance The move, designed to help meet IMF loan conditions, triggered two weeks of protests by indigenous movements, trade unions, students and others, which brought the country to a halt and threatened to topple the government. Heavy-handed police and military action exacerbated the violence, which resulted in hundreds of arrests and at least eight deaths. Moreno’s U-turn has put an end to the unrest for now but deep divisions (and IMF requirements) remain. Impacts Correa and his supporters will seize on Moreno’s inability to maintain order and his decision to back down in the face of protests. Indigenous groups will be emboldened by Moreno’s U-turn and will continue resisting key elements of the government’s economic programme. Relations with the IMF have returned to centre stage and will shape the political landscape as the 2021 presidential elections approach.

The extent and determinants of precarious employment in Europe

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lefteris Kretsos ◽  
Ilias Livanos
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Temporary Work ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Precarious Employment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Part Time

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent and determinants of the so-called precarious employment across Europe and using different measures and based on individual’s self-assessment. Design/methodology/approach – Data on over two million workers across Europe (EU-15) from the European Union Labour Force Survey are utilised and a Heckman selection approach is adopted. Findings – About one tenth of the total European workforce is in employment relationships that could be related to precariousness. The sources of precariousness are mainly involuntary part-time and temporary work. Less prominent as a source of precariousness is job insecurity related to fear of job loss. Vulnerable groups are found to have a higher risk of precariousness while significant country variations indicate that precariousness cannot be examined in isolation of the national context. Finally, signals of previous employment inability, such as lack of past working experience, as well as the state of labour market significantly increase the risk of precarious work. Originality/value – The present study utilises a large-scale survey in order to investigate the incidence of precarious employment in a harmonised way and produce results that are comparable across EU-15 countries.

Draghi's government promises some hope for Italy

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Political Support ◽  
Economic Crises ◽  
Far Right ◽  
Social Unrest ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Five Star Movement ◽  
The Government

Significance Except for the far-right Brothers of Italy (FdI), all the main parties are part of the government, thus giving Draghi significant political support as he prepares to tackle Italy's unprecedented health and economic crises. Impacts A strong recovery could go a long way in reducing Eurosceptic sentiment in Italy. Draghi will have to manage disputes carefully between national and state authorities, who have much control over health policy. Social unrest would put pressure on the Five Star Movement (M5S) and the League to withdraw support for Draghi.

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