DHAKA: Switzerland will vote on whether to set up a guaranteed basic income for every citizen, becoming the first country to hold such a vote.

The proposal calls for adults to be paid an unconditional income of 2,500 Swiss francs (£1,755; $2,555) a month, whether they work or not, BBC reports on Sunday (June 5).

Supporters of the idea said that 21st Century work is increasingly automated, with fewer jobs available for workers.

But polls suggested that only about one quarter of Swiss voters back the idea.

Under the terms of the basic income, workers who already earn more than SFr2, 500 Swiss francs would not get any additional money.

BDST: 0907 HRS, June 5, 2016
SAS/AKA