Consumer confidence rises, but job worries continue

The index rose to 75 in October, 10 points up on the lowest point of 65 in April.

While many people are still worried about losing their jobs, with three quarters of people still feeling negative about their job prospects, 20% believe job prospects will be good or excellent over the coming year, up from 14% in June.

Meanwhile, four out of five shoppers plan to spend less or about the same this Christmas compared with last year, according to Mintel, as incomes are squeezed by higher taxes and job worries.