LONDON: More clarity on the Brexit transition is needed to stop companies proceeding with contingency plans despite the progress announced on Friday, the CBI has warned.
Paul Drechsler, president of the business lobby group, said companies had begun triggering plans months ago.
However, more detail could help suspend further action by firms, he said.
Sterling was trading higher at just under $1.35 and €1.15 after the announcement in Brussels.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said the “breakthrough” meant Brexit talks could now move on to the next phase.
The CBI’s Mr Drechsler also called for “unconditionality” about the status of EU citizens living in the UK.
“It’s an important political milestone, but clarity on transition is the most important thing from a business point of view at this stage,” he told the BBC’s Today programme.
The Institute of Directors (IoD) echoed the CBI’s call for certainty on the rights of EU citizens.
Stephen Martin, IoD director-general, said companies urgently needed certainty about the future of EU staff in the UK.
“We have grounds to hope now that our members will be able to send their employees off for the Christmas break feeling more comfortable about their status here,” he said.
“We look forward to further clarity about what the UK’s objectives are for that new relationship, as well as a firm commitment on transition in the very near future.”
