ANALYSIS

invest and hire staff. That has an impact for taxes flowing to the Treasury and for the economy, which has slowed dramatically this year.

The economy has, until now, been propped up by consumer spending. But uncertainty about jobs and wages could rein in spending further.

Millions already face a fresh pay squeeze because inflation is rising faster than wages. A weak pound risks driving up living costs even faster, just as firms give ever stingier wage rises.

The Tory election humbling may just deliver the softer Brexit many firms want. All companies, just like most households, will make the best of whatever is thrown at them.

But among all the uncertainty one thing is sure. If May was running a business she’d have been handed her P45 for this monumental shambles.

BROKEN BREXIT: PAGES 6&7