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. [1]

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.

Email one of the business leaders to urge them to change their mind.

[1] http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/jan/27/unequal-britain-report