Brexit would 'threaten jobs', warn UK business leaders

The bosses of more than a third of Britain's top companies today urged voters to keep the country in the European Union, warning that an exit from the bloc would threaten jobs.

Some 198 business leaders including Roger Carr, chairman of BAE Systems, BP CEO Bob Dudley and Ron Dennis, chief of F1 team McLaren, wrote a joint letter published in the Times, backing Prime Minister David Cameron's deal to reform the EU.

"Following the prime minister's renegotiation, we believe that Britain is better off staying in a reformed European Union," they wrote, adding Cameron had secured important commitments on improving competitiveness within the bloc.

"We believe that leaving the EU would deter investment, threaten jobs and put the economy at risk," wrote the business chiefs, who between them employ around 1.2 million people.

"Britain will be stronger, safer and better off remaining a member of the EU," it concluded.

The letter comes as a boost for Cameron, who was rocked on Sunday by the decision of charismatic London mayor Boris Johnson to back a "Brexit" in the referendum on June 23.

The sterling fell to near seven-year lows against the dollar on Monday on concerns about the implications of a Brexit. While recovering somewhat the currency was still below last week's level today.

Chairmen or chief executives of 36 companies from key share index FTSE 100, including national giants such as BT, Marks & Spencer, EasyJet, Burberry and Vodafone, all signed the letter.

Two leaders of US firm Goldman Sachs in Europe were also signatories.

However, critics pointed out that many large employers such as retailers Tesco and Sainsbury's and banks RBS and Barclays had not signed the letter and accused Cameron of "bullying" businesses into supporting his position.

"The truth is that despite the bullying of a prime minister who has no real business experience, it is other normal commercial factors which will determine the continued success of British businesses to invest and grow," said Richard Tice, co-founder of pro-Brexit group Leave.EU.

"Brexit will reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and cost on business, which can be used to invest in more jobs, not less," he added.

Supermarket giant Tesco said in a statement that it would not pass comment on the referendum, which will take place on June 23.

Tesco said the vote was "a decision for the people of Britain" and that its "focus will continue to be on serving customers" while fellow supermarket Sainsbury's said it was a "matter for the British people".

Despite Cameron's deal and polls showing slight support for staying in the EU, bookmakers have slightly reduced the odds on Britain voting to leave.