Letter being sent to Brexit Secretary Davis from UK's 5 largest business lobby groups 23 Oct
The Institute of Directors, Confederation of British Industry, British Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, and the EEF manufacturing body have jointly drafted a letter to Davis calling for an urgent Brexit transition deal, or they warn the UK risks losing jobs and investment.
Sources told the BBC the letter is still in draft form but seen by Sky News and The Guardian too, and will be sent in the next day or two.One of the five groups told the BBC it was felt a joint letter would "emphasise our wish for a deal and clarity". They say it is important that the Brexit transition period matches as closely as possible current trading arrangements with the EU.
The letter says an agreement on a transition "is needed as soon as possible, as companies are preparing to make serious decisions at the start of 2018, which will have consequences for jobs and investment in the UK".
"It is vital that companies only have to undertake one adjustment as a result of the UK's withdrawal, not two - and that businesses, the UK government and authorities in the EU have enough time to make the changes needed to deliver Brexit successfully."
The BBC has more here
A timely reminder that while May fends off her own cabinet and backbenchers, and seeks a few favours from the EU to avoid further disarray, there are those that need to make some serious decisions.
