Two of Britain's leading business organisations on Monday described British Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to put off a crucial vote on Britain's Brexit deal as a blow for industry.
Carolyn Fairbairn, director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said, "This is yet another blow for companies desperate for clarity."
"Investment plans have been paused for two and a half years," she said. "Unless a deal is agreed quickly, the country risks sliding towards a national crisis."
Also on Monday, the prime minister said in parliament that the crucial parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal, originally scheduled for Tuesday, will be delayed.
"Politicians on both sides of the Channel need to show leadership, by building consensus to protect both the UK and EU's prosperity," Fairbairn said. "No one can afford to head into Christmas with the threat of no-deal costing jobs and hitting living standards."
Meanwhile, Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said avoiding a messy departure from the European Union is a matter of national urgency.
"Firms are looking on with utter dismay at the ongoing saga in Westminster, and express concern that politicians are seemingly acting in their own interest, with little regard for the millions of people whose livelihoods depend on the success of UK business and trade," Marshall said.
"Many business leaders will be intensely frustrated by yet another delay in this drawn-out process, which impacts real-world business conditions, not least currency markets," he said.
He said businesses are clear that time is rapidly running out. "With just over 100 days to go until the 29th of March (when Britain will end its membership of the bloc) many are already enacting contingency plans in the absence of clarity from Westminster," he said.
He said even basic business planning for next year has become difficult, if not impossible, for many firms and their investors.
Marshall said, "Our research shows that in a 'no deal' scenario, many businesses would cut investment and recruitment, or move some of their operations elsewhere. Survey after survey have shown that businesses will be taking decisions that are right for them, but may damage the UK economy."
He said businesses are clear that they do not want a messy and disorderly exit, which both government and far too many firms are underprepared for.
Marshall said, "Avoiding a messy exit from the EU is a matter of national urgency. Efforts must be redoubled to find a route forward, while at the same time ensuring that preparations are stepped up to help businesses and communities deal with any potential scenario."
