Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has confirmed the next Budget will take place on 6 March.
Hunt made the announcement as he commissioned the Office for Budget Responsibility to prepare an economic and fiscal forecast to be presented to Parliament alongside the Spring Budget on 6 March.
The early date has left many commentators suggesting it could be used as a lead-up to an early General Election which is due next year.
Much attention from the health and protection industry is likely to fall on the potential for tax cuts or other relief for the sector, particularly around the workplace.
At the Autumn Statement in response to the Working Better consultation from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HM Treasury acknowledged the matter was still being considered.
“The UK government is continuing to explore the case for providing further support to employers through the tax system and will respond to the consultation Tax Incentives for Occupational Health in due course,” it said.
HM Treasury said it will accept representations for consideration for the March Budget until 5pm on 24 January.