Brexit uncertainty prompts more UK firms to prepare for job cuts

Two surveys also suggest increasing numbers are putting hiring plans on hold

Growing numbers of British companies are preparing to cut jobs or put hiring plans on hold as Brexit uncertainty intensifies, in the latest sign of stress on the economy.

In an indication that Britain's long jobs recovery since the financial crisis is gradually running out of steam as Brexit nears, IHS Markit said UK employers' staff-hiring intentions had reached a six-year low in February.

Related: No-deal Brexit could cost Japanese carmakers in UK $1bn a year