Retail sales rise sparks caution

RETAIL sales rose in June after sharp falls in May, the latest Central Statistics Office figures disclose.

But the increase in unemployment coupled with concern for their jobs suggests the recovery will be short-lived.

Volume sales, excluding price changes, rose 2.9% over the 12 months compared with June, 2002. The monthly increase was 4.7%. Excluding car sales the annual increase was 2.6% while the monthly increase was 4.9%.