NEARLY a thousand people in the first week have signed a petition against a possible Government ‘tourism tax’, or ‘holiday tax’, which was started following Free Press reporting of job loss concerns at West Somerset’s largest employer.

The Free Press told in March of fears of mass redundancies at Butlin’s holiday resort, in Minehead, as staff went through a consultation exercise ahead of massive extra costs kicking in from April with higher business rates, employer National Insurance contributions, and national minimum wage payments.

Exmoor farming entrepreneur and political campaigner James Wright spoke in December of the possible impact of the extra costs on Butlin’s.

Now, Mr Wright, who is chairman of the Conservative South West Regional Forum, has launched a ‘Stop the Holiday Tax’ petition, which he said was particularly relevant in the Westcountry, one of the most tourism-dependent region in the country.

Mr Wright said the five per cent tax posed a significant challenge for the region after mayors and councils were given Government approval to raise the levy, which could cost thousands of rural jobs.

He said: “As a region where the tourism sector underpins the local economy, the Westcountry is expected to be hit harder than any other part of the country.

“With 377,000 people, over 12 per cent of the local workforce, employed in accommodation, food services, and the arts, the impact of this levy extends far beyond, affecting the retail, transport, and administrative support networks that keep coastal and rural communities thriving.

“Industry data suggests the timing could be critical, as 39 per cent of Britons admit they would consider holidaying abroad if domestic breaks become more expensive.

“For the small accommodation providers that form the majority of West Somerset’s businesses, the added pressure of compliance costs and a potential drop in visitor numbers threatens to translate into fewer shifts for hospitality staff and reduced turnover for local high streets.

“West Somerset relies on tourism to sustain jobs and incomes.

“Even a small shift toward overseas travel will cost local jobs, cut wages, and damage already fragile economies.”

Mr Wright called on Somerset Council confirm it was ruling out raising the ‘holiday tax’ and putting jobs in the county at risk.

A council spokesperson said the authority currently did not have the power to introduce such a levy.

Shadow Business and Trade Secretary Andrew Griffith called on residents, workers, and business owners to sign Mr Wright’s petition ‘to protect local livelihoods and family finances’ as the new tourism season got underway with the Easter holidays.

Mr Griffith said: “By making British holiday breaks more expensive, Labour is driving tourists abroad and punishing the small businesses that are the heart of our coastal towns and rural villages.

“It is a reckless policy of economic self-harm that puts thousands of local jobs at risk and ignores the reality of the South West’s tourism sector.”

Mr Griffith said it was estimated the ‘holiday tax’ would add about £60 to £100 to the cost of a typical week-long family break in the UK.