February retail sales see unexpected fall

The volume of UK retail sales fell by more than expected in February.

Retail sales in February dropped by 0.8% on the previous month.

It came as High Street retailer Next warned of very challenging times ahead for retailers and consumers.

The Office for National Statistics said the drop in sales had been broad-based, with only car fuel and non-store retailers seeing sales grow.

And it revised downwards the figure for January, with the volume of sales increasing by 1.5% rather than 1.9%.

"These disappointing figures highlight the fragility of Britain's economy," said David Kern, chief economist of the British Chambers of Commerce.

"With the government persevering with austerity measures, it is clear that businesses and consumers will face many pressures in the months ahead."