Retail sales in the UK have seen a big rise

Retail sales rose strongly in May when compared with a year earlier, according to figures compiled by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

Its latest survey of the trade showed a positive balance of 21 per cent of retailers reporting a marked increase in sales from 12 months before.

However, despite the strong numbers, the CBI claimed that retail sales are still below average levels for this time of year.

This comes after official figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that retail sales volumes fell by 2.3 per cent in April when compared to March.

Much of this was blamed on a record decline in petrol and diesel sales just a month after many people panic-bought fuel due to the high risk of a strike from tanker drivers.

CBI Distributive Trades Panel chair and chief operating officer at Asda Judith McKenna added: "It's encouraging to see High Street sales up compared to a year ago, and that business sentiment about the next three months has improved."

Posted by James Francis