National Insurance: Mind your own business

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

38 Degrees has launched a timely new campaign today to help overcome the influence of powerful business interests, called National Insurance: Mind your own business.

In response to the 68 businespeople who have now signed a letter supporting David Cameron and George Osborne’s plans for National Insurance reversals, which would take money out of vital public services at a crucial time for those who need them most, 38 Degrees is building a powerful grassroots coalition of voices of ordinary members of the public, to help protect their services:

“Last week those in charge of some of the UKs largest businesses wrote to the Telegraph supporting the Conservative’s pledge to halt Labour’s planned 1% rise in National Insurance. This may 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.

The 68 business leaders who have signed the letter argue that the rise in national insurance could threaten jobs and put the economic recovery at risk. They fail to mention, however, that the rise in National Insurance will also bring down their profits as their financial contributions as employers will increase.

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

And they’re asking you to write to one of the businesspeople, to help them change their mind on cuts.

Email one of the businesspeople now.