UK retail sales in surprise fall

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UK retail sales fell in November, according to official figures, despite analysts' predictions of a rise.

Sales were down 0.3% according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). That compares with a rise of 0.6% in October.

The ONS blamed a sharp fall in sales at non-specialist retailers, including department stores.

The figures came as a surprise to many economists, who had hoped for consumer spending to fuel economic recovery.