Retail sales growth slows

Retailers in the UK experienced weaker growth in sales values in November compared to October, according to data released by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

Like-for-like sales grew 1.8% compared with November 2008, when sales were poor as the financial crisis hammered consumer confidence. However, this figure is much lower than the 3.8% gain that the sector experienced in October.

"Consumer confidence is fragile and has taken a turn for the worse. We're the only major economy still in recession. Uncertainty over jobs, future tax increases and government spending cuts is making customers more cautious. Retailers are hopeful of a better Christmas than last year's dire performance, but it's still all to play for," said Stephen Robertson, director general of the BRC.