The pub industry has called on the government to suspend further beer tax increases, after figures show that 2,000 pubs have closed since a significant hike was introduced in the 2008 Budget.

The figure was released on the same day as five ministers are set to be cross-examined by MPs at the UK Pubs Crisis Ministerial Summit. In total the sector has experienced more than 20,000 job losses in the past year, with research by Oxford Economics forecasting that a further 75,000 could be at risk if the government proceeds with plans to increase taxes on alcohol over the next four years.

Rob Hayward, chief executive of the Beer and Pub Association, said: "These new figures reveal the true scale of the struggle facing the beer and pub industry. "The beer and pub industry is not looking for a handout, just hands off any further tax or regulation increases. We are urging the government to abandon the 2 per cent over inflation drinks' tax escalator due to start in March and pledge no further increases in excise duty in this year's budget.

"We are also asking them to abandon the Mandatory Code in the Police and Crime Bill, which government say will cost the industry an extra £300m this year alone and lead to further job losses and pub closures."