Ocado’s boss and Dixons Carphone’s chairman are among 1,280 business leaders to have signed a new letter backing the Remain campaign.

In a last-minute attempt to help the Remain campaign, Tim Steiner, Charles Dunstone, Ann Summers chief executive Jacqueline Gold, Burberry boss   Christopher Bailey, Asos chairman Brian McBride and Asda chief executive Andy Clarke are among leaders to have signed the letter, published in The Times.

The retail chiefs threw their support behind a similar letter in February.

The letter states: “We know our firms are stronger in Europe. Our reasons are straightforward: businesses and their employees benefit massively from being able to trade inside the world’s largest single market without barriers…Britain leaving the EU would mean uncertainty for our firms, less trade with Europe and fewer jobs. EU membership is good for business, and good for British jobs. That’s why, on June 23, we back Britain remaining in the EU.”

Non-retail figures to have backed the Remain campaign include Sir Richard Branson; Baroness Brady, vice-chair of West Ham Football Club; and EasyJet boss Carolyn McCall.

The letter was also signed by owners of small and medium-sized businesses.

Retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis has revealed his will voting for a Brexit, arguing that the EU is a ‘failed experiment’.