Guy Standing’s work on turning exclusion into belonging speaks directly to many of the people living in Yorkshire. Including some of the people I know and love.

His idea of the “precariat” reflects the lives of Care workers, cleaners, catering staff, and call centre personnel. Many are young. Some are single parents. Some were born here. Others made Yorkshire their home. Despite working hard, many still rely on food banks and other handouts to make ends meet.

This isn’t just about personal stories. Solid data confirms deep, systemic inequality across our region.

Guy Standing calls for dignity, security, and recognition for all workers. He talks of the need to create platforms that enable residents to help shape government decisions from the bottom up.

After years at the International Labour Organisation, he now promotes universal basic income as a way to rebuild stability and hope. His ideas help explain why so many feel left behind—and how we might build a fairer future. There are interesting links here to Oscar Wilde.

If this page reflects your own life or, like me, the life of someone you care about, please share your experiences and thoughts below. Next, we’ll think about what fairness looks like in a regenerative economy.