Bosses of UK's top firms report rising uncertainty over global economy

Poll of chief financial officers finds many are trimming investment and hiring plans due to Chinese downturn and possible interest rate rise

China's downturn, the prospect of rising interest rates and uncertainty about the global economic outlook have knocked confidence among bosses of the UK's biggest companies, according to a survey.

Chief financial officers (CFOs) polled by the consultancy Deloitte reported a sharp rise in uncertainty facing their businesses and have scaled back their expectations for investment and hiring over the coming year.

Related: How China's economic slowdown could weigh on the rest of the world