Michael Gove confirmed during a visit to Northern Ireland that ministers were working on a support package for companies at risk of collapse

Boris Johnson is drawing up plans for a bailout fund to prop up businesses in the event of a no-deal Brexit amid fears that the economy is on the cusp of a recession.

Michael Gove, who is leading the no-deal preparations, confirmed for the first time that ministers were working on a package to help companies at risk of collapse.

The Times understands that the government has drawn up a secret list of big British employers that are considered most at risk, with the worst affected expected to be in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

The prime minister’s Brexit war cabinet is expected to discuss the bailout plans, known as “Operation Kingfisher”, next week amid growing concern that a no-deal Brexit could tip