Philip Hammond will this week announce a raid on job perks enjoyed by millions of middle earners, including health checks, gym memberships and mobile phone contracts.

The Sunday Telegraph has learnt that the Autumn Statement will tighten rules that allow workers to forgo part of their salary in return for certain work benefits.

The move, described as a “stealth tax” by critics, will mean employees at big firms across Britain will be forced to pay hundreds of pounds to continue to receive perks they get through work.

Major companies have written to the Government warning they would be forced to scale back free medical checks for staff, undermining attempts to keep the country healthy.