Business chiefs have urged politicians to calm markets and protect the economy in the wake of a shock general election result.
Experts have called on MPs to "get their house in order" and form a functioning government after Theresa May was forced to call on the DUP to remain in power following a hugely disappointing night for her party.
Dr Adam Marshall, director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said the result came as business was already feeling pressure.
"The electorate's split decision generates further uncertainty for business communities, who are already grappling with currency fluctuations, rising costs, and the potential impacts of Brexit,” he warned.
Firms had done their best to screen out political “noise”, he said, but the formation of a "workable administration ... must be the immediate priority”.
Stephen Martin, director-general of the Institute of Directors, said businesses had been thrown into "political limbo", with crucial Brexit negotiations due to begin in days and firms already facing "significant domestic challenges".
"The pound has predictably fallen on the news of a hung parliament, but the majority of British business will be waiting to see whether a stable government can be formed in short order,” he said.
He warned that the Tories no longer had a pass on its election pledges, such as the hard Brexit Mrs May had planned.
"If the Conservatives govern as a minority, they must recognise that they have not earned a mandate to implement their manifesto in full," he said.
Meanwhile Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry, called on politicians to “act responsibly”.
Concerns have mounted about the business impact of political uncertainty as the pound plummeted following Thursday's vote.
The IoD said a snap poll of its 700 members showed confidence had plunged in the wake of the election, with 65 per cent believing that uncertainty over the make-up of the Government is "a significant concern" for the UK economy.
