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Ministers have drawn up plans to hire extra benefits and Job Centre staff if there's a no-deal Brexit, Amber Rudd revealed today.

The Work and Pensions Secretary said her department has drawn up plans to bring in more people in case there's an economic downturn.

Ms Rudd told a committee of MPs: “We have been making preparations for no deal planning.

“We are making sure that if there is an economic downturn, we are prepared to hire additional people should there be fewer jobs available as a result of a no deal exit.”

She also confirmed reports the government overall has been looking at the possibility of a “hardship fund”.

(Image: PA)

It comes as 275 financial firms are moving $1.2 trillion (£924billion) in assets and funds from Britain to the EU in readiness for Brexit, a think tank warned today.

The move is costing up to $4 billion, a report from the New Financial think tank said.

It comes as MPs are due to vote on Tuesday on an EU divorce settlement - with talks in deadlock.

With less than three weeks to go before Brexit day on March 29, it is still unclear whether the deal will be approved, whether departure from the EU will be delayed, or whether it will happen without agreement.