More than 450 jobs at Marks & Spencer are at risk in the UK after the retailer announced plans to close 14 stores as part of a restructuring programme.

Retail giant Marks & Spencer has revealed "mixed" festive trading in the UK after another steep fall in sales in its embattled clothing arm and disappointing trading in its food halls.

Marks & Spencer boss Marc Bolland blamed website teething problems today as the chain’s homeware and clothing division registered its 12th quarter in a row of declining sales.

Marks and Spencer has reported a 3.3% year-on-year increase in first quarter group sales but is seeing growth continually held back by an underperforming clothing division.