The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimates that an upcoming rise in National Insurance (NI) contributions will disproportionately impact lower-paid workers, as employers will shoulder only a quarter of the burden. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has increased the NI rate to 15% for salaries above £5,000 starting in April, causing concern among business leaders about potential effects on hiring and wages. While some offset may occur due to minimum wage increases, experts assert that these changes represent a tax on working individuals, raising questions about the government’s fiscal policies amid economic pressures.