Under the scheme, which is the first of its kind in England, residents in central Jarrow, northeast England, and East Finchley, north London, will be handed the funds each month for two years, and researchers will monitor the effect the payment has on their work ethic and mental well-being.

The trial run has been organized by the progressive Autonomy think tank, which is seeking to fund the £1.6 million (€1.85 million) scheme through private donors.

The initiative is not being paid for by U.K. taxpayers and is not affiliated with the British government.

"Our society is going to require some form of basic income in the coming years, given the tumult of climate change, tech disruption and industrial transition that lies ahead," claimed Will Stronge, Autonomy's director of research.

"This is why building the evidence base and public engagement now is so important, so the ground is well prepared for national implementation."

He explained that researchers were interested to note the effect the UBI payment would have on people's mental and physical health, as well as their desire to continue working.