JOB cuts will be enforced unless a Brexit deal is made before Christmas, business leaders say. In a survey of its members, industry body CBI found that four in five companies had investment plans disrupted by Brexit.

And most said they will reduce employee numbers or relocate production and services overseas by December to prepare for the possibility of a no-deal withdrawal unless they get the certainty they need. CBI director general Carolyn Fairbairn said: “Unless a withdrawal agreement is locked down by December, firms will press the button on their contingency plans. Jobs will be lost and supply chains moved.

“The knock-on effect for the UK economy would be significant. Living standards would be affected and less money would be available for vital public services including schools, hospitals and housing.

“Uncertainty is draining investment from the UK, with Brexit having a negative impact on eight in 10 businesses. From a multinational plastics manufacturer which has cancelled a £7 million investment, to a fashion house shelving £50m plans for a new UK factory, these are grave losses to our economy.

She added: “Many firms won’t publicise these decisions, yet their impact will show in lower GDP years down the line.

“As long as no deal remains a possibility, the effect is corrosive for the UK economy, jobs and communities.”

Responding to the claims, a spokesperson for the UK Government’s Department for Exiting the European Union said: “We are working hard to deliver a deal that works for businesses and remain confident of a positive outcome.

“In the unlikely event we leave the EU without a deal, we have issued over 100 technical notices to help businesses make informed plans and preparations.

“We have engaged extensively with businesses and industry bodies from all sectors of the economy throughout the exit process and will continue to do so.”

On Saturday an estimated 700,000 people attended a protest in London calling for a people’s vote on Brexit.

Police said they were unable to provide official attendance figures but those present included Scots satirist Armando Iannucci and Edinburgh South West MP Joanna Cherry, who addressed the crowds.

In a video message played to protesters, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon emphasised that SNP MPs would support a people’s vote “which includes the option to remain in the EU”.