John Healey invites October budget ideas from Treasury staff of all levels

Chancellor says he wants everyone from apprentices to senior economists to take part in brainstorming exercise

John Healey has asked junior Treasury staff - including IT workers and apprentices - to send him ideas for his October budget, saying he will listen to all suggestions regardless of grade or profession.

The chancellor's unorthodox approach comes as he faces a tricky autumn with expected inflation rises, sluggish growth and potential cuts from other departments to fund extra defence spending.