Sales growth last month was the worst for 15 years, according to a new report.

The British Retail Consortium has revealed that UK retail sales values fell 0.7 per cent on a like-for-like basis from January 2009, when sales had risen 1.1 per cent. On a total basis, sales rose 1.2 per cent against a 3.2 per cent increase in January 2009.

While the snow boosted food sales in the first week of January as people stocked up on essentials, non-food sales were hit, particularly on discretionary items.

When the weather improved, the BRC reported that food sales slowed but non-food staged a partial recovery.

Stephen Robertson, the BRC’s director general, said: “An awful start to the year and in stark contrast to an upbeat December.

“Most non-food sectors had a poor start, though nearly all recovered towards the end of the month.

“Furniture and DIY were worst hit as customers put off buying non-essentials.”

Mr Robertson said: “The VAT change brought some sales forward to December, but customers are becoming cautious again in the face of economic and political uncertainty.

“Retailers will be hoping these results are mainly a snow induced blip, rather than an indication of further difficulties.”