A rise in the level of beer tax could put the jobs of up to 8,500 industry workers in Shropshire under threat, the British Beer and Pub Association said today.

Bosses at the BBPA today released figures on the numbers of beer trade workers, and their wages, in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin in a bid to convince the Government that hiking beer tax could deal a blow to local economies.

The association has said the county benefits from more than £120 million in wages from the beer trade, which it claims could be hit if a tax rise is introduced during the next budget.

BBPA said in the Telford & Wrekin area there were 2,204 people employed through pubs, generating £32 million in wages.

While in Shropshire it said there were 6,333 workers, getting more than £90 million in wages.

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, said: “These figures show what a huge impact beer and pubs have, especially in terms of local jobs.

“Beer is vital to the economy and pubs are the heart of our communities.

“The last thing local pubs and pub-goers need is a further beer tax hike in the budget next week, when instead we could be leading the economy out of recession and creating local jobs.”

The BBPA said any move to increase the price of a pint on March 23 could force more pubs to close.

The association also said while alcohol consumption for 2010 showed the amount people drank last year was lower than it was 10 years ago, there was a trend onto stronger drinks.

Mr Simmonds added: “Scrapping plans for further rises in beer duty in the budget would also send a signal on encouraging consumption of lower-strength drinks.

“Crucially at this time, this could also save over 10,000 UK jobs, protecting Treasury revenues, and stop several more pence being added to the price of a British pint, further hitting UK consumers.”

The BBPA is now urging residents to support its campaign for a freeze in beer tax at www.backthepub.com

By Jason Lavan