Damp squib start to year for retailers

THIS year's record wet weather has kept Brits indoors and away from the high street, in a blow to retailers as they face growing costs.

- By JOHN SMITH

Retail footfall fell by 4.5 per cent in February year on year, down from January's 0.6 per cent decrease, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

UK retailers are sounding the alarm over mounting employment costs as minimum wage hikes, national insurance contributions and workers' rights reforms force bosses to consider slashing jobs.

Helen Dickinson, the BRC's chief executive, said: "While the Government can't control the weather, it can help turn footfall around by incentivising local investment."

Footfall at shopping centres fell the most in February, down 5.5 per cent, as visits to high streets were down 5.4 per cent.