Only one in ten company directors believes the Chancellor will deliver a "Budget for business" on Wednesday, according to a YouGov survey.
The poll of 472 directors reflected concerns about the impact of rising National Insurance (NI) contributions. The increase in employers' NI is set to cost British businesses an extra £3.9bn this year.
The Chancellor, Gordon Brown, has suggested that the Budget will aim to boost productivity. He is also expected to extend tax credits for research and development.
But the CBI has warned that weak tax revenues will restrict his freedom to manoeuvre.
