Zero growth in retail sales

UK retail sales in September were unchanged for the second consecutive month, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), suggesting that many consumers are still focusing on protecting their finances and staying out of debt.

Retail sales were, however, 2.4% higher than they were in September 2008 - although this fell short of the 2.8% increase forecast by economists.

Stores selling mostly food products recorded an average 0.1% fall in sales in the month, while stores selling mostly non-food goods showed no growth.

A spokesperson for debt management company Gregory Pennington said: "Consumers still appear to be cautious with regard to their spending, and many will be making an active effort to avoid debt or reduce their debt levels.

"People in debt may be particularly vulnerable in the current economic conditions. We advise anyone struggling with their debt repayments to contact an expert debt adviser to discuss ways of clearing their debts."

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Gregory Pennington offer debt management plans as well as a range of other debt solutions. If you are worried about debt, contact one of our expert debt advisers now.