Finnish basic income pilot improved wellbeing, study finds

First major study of scheme comes as economic toll of coronavirus prompts fresh interest in idea

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Europe's first national, government-backed basic income experiment did not do much to encourage recipients into work but did improve their mental wellbeing, confidence and life satisfaction, according to the first major study of a Finnish scheme that has attracted fresh interest in the coronavirus outbreak.

The basic income recipients were more satisfied with their lives and experienced less mental strain than the control group," the study, by researchers at Helsinki University, concluded. They also had a more positive perception of their economic welfare."