London (CNN Business) Businesses are calling for Brexit to be delayed to avoid the nightmare scenario of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union on March 29 without a divorce deal that protects trade.

"Many of the businesses we're speaking to are praying for an extension," said James Stewart, head of Brexit at KPMG. "At this stage even our most informed clients feel as if anything could happen."

UK lawmakers have rejected the exit deal negotiated by Prime Minister Theresa May and EU officials. Parliament will vote Tuesday on amendments that would give lawmakers more control over Brexit , but there's no guarantee that will break the deadlock. And there's little sign that EU leaders will reopen negotiations.

Given the rapidly-approaching deadline and the severe economic consequences that would result from crashing out of the bloc without an agreement, a delay to Brexit has become more acceptable to business.

Business lobby groups had been clamoring for clarity on the terms of the divorce and Britain's future trading relationship with the European Union. But their focus has shifted in recent weeks to preventing a disorderly separation at all costs. The European Union would have to agree to a UK request for a delay.