UK firms are being warned EU companies plan to make them foot the bill if Brexit results in delayed orders.

The study of supply chain managers was released as the Brexit process enters another critical week in parliament - with MPs due to vote tomorrow on Theresa May's deal with Brussels.

If that was to hit the rocks again there would then, on Wednesday, be a vote on whether to leave without a deal - followed by a vote to delay the process beyond the 29 March deadline should MPs reject a no-deal scenario.

The findings of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) survey suggested a high level of uncertainty among UK firms, as they showed a stronger level of preparation for border complications among EU businesses compared to their UK counterparts.

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It showed many UK exporters could expect to be punished for late completion of orders.

Among the findings was that for a delay of just 24 hours, 20% of EU businesses would push their UK suppliers for a discount while 11% of exporters would expect to have their contract cancelled outright.

It showed that 60% of EU businesses would leave their UK suppliers if orders face delays of several weeks.

The CIPS said a no-deal Brexit scenario risked thousands of British exporters being turned away at the UK/EU border because they lack the expertise, data or technology to comply with relevant EU customs rules.

It found just 40% of exporters reported current compliance.

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CIPS economist, John Glen, said: "The financial cost of Brexit indecision will not be paid in Whitehall, but by Britain's businesses.

"Britain's supply chains are so finely balanced, that even a temporary delay at the border after March 29th will see UK businesses paid later and paid less for their goods.

"These costs, combined with a lack of investment, will likely reduce the number of exports coming out of the UK and result in a reduction of the UK's competitiveness on the international stage.

"If the UK does stumble out of the EU without a deal next month, the majority of British businesses would not even be able to file the right paper work to get goods across the border.

"Whatever happens in the coming days, Britain must still invest in the skills, relationships and technology to take its new place in Europe and beyond."

A government spokesperson responded: "The government is continuing with our no deal preparations to ensure the country is prepared for every eventuality.

"Our preparations include publishing 106 Technical Notices over the summer as well as more than 100 pages of guidance for businesses on processes at the border, and advising hundreds of ports and other organisations that use the border about potential changes so they can get their supply chains ready.

"Leaving the EU with a deal remains the government's top priority but be in no doubt we are continuing to prepare extensively for no deal."