The Confederation of British Industry, a body representing hundreds of the UK’s biggest companies, says a union including Scotland is the best way to grow the economy and boost jobs.

The network of 190,000 businesses made the direct appeal to Scottish voters, saying the constituent nations of the UK were stronger as a result of the “partnership” between them.

A joint statement from the CBI regional leaders read: “We want Scotland to stay in the United Kingdom and hope you vote to do so. We believe that the prosperity of all people in the UK would be best served by Scotland remaining part of it.”

It adds to a wealth of voices, particularly south of the border, calling for a No vote in the ballot which takes place on Thursday. Today, 14 senior military figures from the army, navy and air force said Scottish independence would leave it and the rest of the UK more vulnerable.

Meanwhile, three new polls show a slight lead for the No campaign, but analysts said the final result was too close to call with just one day of heavy campaigning from both sides left to run.

The online gambling business Betfair disagreed; it has already paid out on 'no' bets made by gamblers.