This week, leaders of some of the UK’s biggest businesses came out in support of George Osborne’s plans to reverse Labour’s proposed National Insurance rise. In a letter to the Telegraph, they argue that the reversal, to be funded by an extra £6 billion’s worth of efficiency savings, is needed to protect jobs keep Britain’s economic recovery on track.

38 Degrees has launched a campaign to persuade these business leaders to change their minds. We’re concerned that their outcry might have less to do with concerns about job-losses, and more to do with the effect that the increases in their financial contribution as employers will have on their profit margins.

We’re encouraging people to write to any of the 68 signatories of the Telegraph letter, to ask them to take into account the wider effects of the Conservative Chancellor’s proposals.

A reversal in planned rises in National Insurance might look like good news for ordinary voters but National Insurance payments are a crucial source of finance for vital public services, pensions and payments to those who are sick and unemployed. Although George Osborne has claimed that efficiency savings will make up for the shortfall in funds, these plans have gained heavy criticism for being over-optimistic.

The Chief Executives of major companies may not rely on the public services funded by National Insurance. But it is likely that their employees and customers, who are people earning normal salaries, will.

Join the campaign to stop business leaders putting profits before public services, here:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/change-business-leaders-minds/

Katy Wells is from 38 Degrees. ‘The Independent View‘ is a slot on Lib Dem Voice which allows those from beyond the party to contribute to debates we believe are of interest to LDV’s readers. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in contributing.