UK retail sales fall in December amid Omicron spread

UK retail sales sank 3.7% in December from the month before as the spread of Omicron deterred shoppers from visiting the High Street.

Data from the Office for National Statistics also showed a 7.1% fall in clothing and other non-food sales.

However, last month's figures followed a strong November amid reports there would be some shortages in the run-up to Christmas.

And while food sales fell by 1%, volumes were above pre-pandemic levels.

"After strong pre-Christmas trading in November, retail sales fell across the board in December, with feedback from retailers suggesting Omicron impacted on footfall," said Office for National Statistics (ONS) deputy director for surveys and economic indicators Heather Bovill.

"As Plan B restrictions in England meant more people working from home, there was a notable fall for fuel sales.

"However, despite the fall in December, retail sales are still stronger than before the pandemic, with over a quarter of sales now made online."