Birmingham and Solihull business leaders are backing a petition calling on the government to reverse the planned increase in National Insurance Contributions.

Birmingham and Solihull Chamber of Commerce and Industry is inviting members to sign up on-line to reverse the one per cent employer NI increase planned for April, 2011.

The petition, which can be found at http://www.no-nics-rise.co.uk/ is supported by Chambers of Commerce across the UK and other business organisations. 

Paul Bassi, president of Birmingham Chamber of Commerc, said: "Businesses across the country know that it is imperative for the government to begin the difficult job of repairing the public finances. But this NIC increase is a 'tax on jobs' and will discourage companies of all sizes from taking on new staff at a critical point in our economic recovery."

British Chambers of Commerce research suggests that employers face a staggering bill of £14bn due to the rise between 2010 and 2014. 

Mr. Bassi added: "We urge the Government to work with business groups to find alternative ways to close the UK's budget deficit - beginning with a credible plan to reduce inefficiency in public sector spending. Any Government has to realise that additional taxes on businesses must be a last resort, not an easy way forward."