Business secretary Greg Clark, economic secretary to the Treasury John Glen and small business minister Andrew Griffiths organised a meeting with leading banks to seek assurances that they would help support SMEs affected by Carillion's liquidation.

The banks present at the meeting were:

• Barclays
• HSBC
• Lloyds
• RBS
• Santander
• Shawbrook
• Aldermore
• British Business Bank

“It is essential that small businesses exposed to the Carillion insolvency are given the support they need by their lenders,” said Mr Clark.

“I chaired a meeting … of high street banks to ensure that they are in contact with customers impacted, that they have in place the advice and support needed and that any individual cases are escalated and dealt with sympathetically, swiftly and appropriately.

“I will continue to meet with them in the days and weeks ahead to ensure these commitments are being acted on.”

Mr Glen added: “I am pleased to see that the UK banks are taking such a constructive approach, proactively contacting affected customers and taking the required steps to help those facing short-term issues as a result of Carillion going into liquidation.”

HMRC has also outlined the support available to those businesses contracted to Carillion that may have concerns about their ability to pay tax.

HMRC has provided practical advice and guidance for those affected through its Business Payment Support Service (BPSS).