UK retail sales had worst year on record in spending squeeze

The figures underline the severity of inflation, which is lingering near the highest level in four decades

The drop in retail was driven by non-food sales as “consumers cut back on spending because of increased prices and affordability concerns.” Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown/PA Wire

UK retail sales fell unexpectedly last month, capping the worst year on record after a cost-of-living squeeze forced consumers to pay more for fewer goods.

The volume of goods purchased in shops and online fell 5.8% from a year ago, the sharpest December decline since records began in 1997, the Office for National Statistics said Friday.