Poll shows UK business confidence at four-year low

Survey of chartered accountants says Brexit fears, budget fallout, slowdown in China and weak UK sales denting companies' ability to plan ahead

Worries about the EU referendum in June, rising labour costs and China's slowdown have knocked UK business confidence to a four-year low, according to a report that will fan fears the economy is losing momentum.

A poll of 1,000 chartered accountants by their professional body, the ICAEW, echoed other recent surveys pointing to fragile consumer and business confidence as the referendum approaches. The poll also noted a slowdown in domestic sales and nervousness about hiring new staff.