By BridgeNews London--Jan. 8--The Confederation of British Industry has joined the British Chambers of Commerce in calling for the Bank of England to cut U.K. interest rates at its meeting later this week. Both business groups say a 25-basis point cut is important to underpin confidence at a time when a wobbling U.S. economy is beginning to worry companies. Despite mounting pressure, the Monetary Policy Committee is still expected to leave rates unchanged at 6.0% this month. * * * Nick Reilly, managing director of Vauxhall motors and head of the CBI's economic affairs committee, said: "There is a need to boost business confidence at a time of economic uncertainty when firms may be hesitating over investment plans. "Taking preemptive action now would support the sectors most at risk from a global slowdown, especially manufacturing and tourism," he said. The U.S. Federal Reserve sprung a surprise on financial markets last week when it cut rates by 50 basis points well ahead of its next scheduled policy meeting. It was responding to signs that confidence and activity in the U.S. economy were crumbling fast. The situation in Europe, however, is generally considered to be more robust. There are few signs the U.K. or euro-zone economies are as fragile and activity remains positive.