New polling shows Reeves’s Budget is unpopular overall, even as voters back measures like higher gambling taxes, a rail fare freeze and a minimum wage rise. Most expect to be poorer afterwards, and opinion is split on ending the two‑child benefits cap.

Ministers have dropped Labour’s pledge to grant day‑one rights to claim unfair dismissal. The move, criticised by some Labour MPs but backed by business groups, marks a retreat from the party’s workers’ rights package and raises questions over the government’s reform agenda.

The Chancellor announced £26bn in tax rises to fund £9bn for benefits and cost‑of‑living help, scrapping the two‑child cap. Fiscal drag moves 1.8m into a higher band; NI added to pension contributions; hikes target landlords, savers, investors and £2m homes. OBR forecasts weaker growth.

Rachel Reeves faces a pivotal Budget: expected to scrap the two‑child benefit cap, lifting many from poverty but creating a £3bn bill likely to fall on workers. An 8.5% rise for 18–20s on minimum wage to £10.85 is planned, amid stubborn inflation and hospitality warnings over job creation.