Recovery in the UK retail sector slowed in May as the value of like-for-like sales fell 0.8% after a 4.6% rise in April, according to data released by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

However, figures for May were always likely to struggle in comparison to the same month last year, which delivered some of 2008's best figures.

"We might have expected better figures as, while there are consumers struggling financially due to actual or the prospect of job losses, there are also those with greater disposable income due to lower mortgage payments, easing inflation and lower fuel costs," said Helen Dickinson, head of retail at consultants KPMG.