The Nielsen-British Retail Consortium (BRC) Consumer Confidence Survey asked people about their feelings on job prospects, personal finances, spending intentions and major concerns.

For the first time since the survey began in 2003, worries about the economy was the top consumer concern. It was cited by almost a third, up from 22% in the middle of the year.

A BRC spokesman said:

"Retailers are facing a very challenging year. Not only is a severe slowdown in consumer spending likely but retailers' share of that spend is set to fall significantly, ratchetting price competition up even further."