Precariats in Singapore: a worker-centric examination of labour precarity and basic income

Abstract

There is an emerging underclass of workers who labour under precarious work conditions – the precariats. Our semi-structured interviews find that this holds true in Singapore too, especially for the lower and middle class who feel increasingly anxious and exploited. They encounter insecurity in three aspects of work relating to labour conditions, employment opportunities and extra-work autonomy. They have little agency to obtain better working conditions, possess few opportunities for career advancement, and are expected to perform work in their personal time. We add also to the debate on basic income as a transformation of the social compact. There is little evidence that basic income will induce moral hazards such as over-dependency. On the contrary, it increases labour security and individual autonomy by strengthening individuals’ positions vis-a-vis organisations. Overall, respondents are supportive of an expansion of social assistance, as well as basic income, to enhance labour security.