UK shoppers rein in spending as fears grow over economy

Gloomy end to year for retailers but sales growth for 2018 as a whole was up on 2017

British consumers reined in their spending in December after splashing out during November on Black Friday promotions, according to official figures that confirmed the tough festive shopping period on the high street.

The Office for National Statistics said the quantity of goods bought last month fell by 0.9% compared to November, when Black Friday deals encouraged shoppers to bring forward some of their Christmas spending.