UK retail sales increased 2.8% in September compared to the same month last year, according to figures released by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

Non-food non-store sales (internet, mail-order and phone sales) in September were 11.9% higher than a year ago, in line with the pick-up in store sales. Postal strikes are now a serious concern for online retailers.

"For some customers confidence is trickling back. These are the best total sales growth figures since January 2008. But we mustn't get carried away. They are compared with a weak performance last September," said Stephen Robertson, Director General of the BRC.

"As we enter the important run-up to Christmas, these results give some room for optimism. But consumer sentiment is volatile and could weaken again and, throughout the final quarter, all the comparisons will be with poor figures last year when total sales growth dropped below zero."