Retail downturn deepens as UK shops report weak festive sales – business live

CBI survey shows a downturn in retail sales in December, and gloom about prospects in January

• Less fun and games for UK toy shops at Christmas 2023
• UK interest rates expected to fall sharply next year as inflation drops to 3.9%

The strength of the UK’s labour market will be a key factor determining when the Bank of England feels confident enough to start cutting interest rates.

And new data just released shows a fall in job openings last week.

Continue reading...