HUNDREDS of jobs could be lost across Oxfordshire if Britain votes to leave the European Union.

The stark warning comes from Oxfordshire’s Chamber of Commerce, as businesses wait to hear when the public referendum will take place.

Chairman Peter Smith described Britain’s possible exit from Europe as “unchartered territory”, which could lead to “economic uncertainty with a potential risk to jobs”.

He said: “One main area of concern would be if there was a reduction of European headquarters located in the UK and especially the Thames Valley. This could happen if firms contemplated scaling back in the UK in the event of Brexit.”

Firms thinking of relocating could also be put off.

He added: “It is also possible that firms planning to move into Oxfordshire could delay decisions during a period of uncertainty. “Oxfordshire’s inward investment efforts could arguably be severely reduced.”

Prime Minister David Cameron has promised an in-out vote before the end of 2017 and experts believe it will be in the next 11 months.

Next Thursday, five pro-EU business leaders and politicians will be at the Said Business School in Oxford to discuss the impact of Brexit on Oxfordshire’s jobs and economy.

The panel includes Liberal Democrat South East MEP Catherine Bearder, UK European Movement’s Brussels Council and National Council member Graham Bishop and Antony David, chief executive of tech firm Solid State Logic.

They will be joined by managing director of West Oxfordshire-based Ketonex and former chairman of the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership Dr Martin Dare-Edwards, plus Dinesh Dhamija, founder of online travel agency Ebookers.

Former Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate Layla Moran will be chairwoman.

More than a quarter of Begbroke-based Solid State Logic’s sales of digital mixing consoles are to EU countries, and the firm’s research and development department includes two Spaniards, one German, one Maltese and a Lithuanian.

Mr David said: “They are all from the EU and graduates with specific skills we need. We depend on people like this.

“If I wanted to recruit from Japan or the US, I would have lots of hoops to jump through but we have access to five million people and lots of skills because of free movement throughout Europe.”

He added: “It’s very difficult to imagine life outside the EU.”

Oxfordshire has been allocated £16.5m [19.5m Euros] from the European Structural and Investment Fund from 2014 to 2020 while Oxford University receives millions of Euros to boost science and technology research.

Sarah Heaney, spokeswoman for BMW which operates Cowley’s Mini plant, said the group would “respect the decision of the British people” and “remain committed to our UK business in the future”.

But she added: “ We believe it is beneficial for the UK to remain an active and influential member.”