CONSUMER confidence has risen to its highest level for 18 months – but major fears over employment remain.
The latest Consumer Confidence Index from market research company Nielsen and the British Retail Consortium shows a 10-point gain to 75 points from the all-time low of 65 points seen in April.
The figure is still weak compared with two and three years ago, but reflects slightly more people feeling positive about job prospects and their own finances.
Nielsen managing director Justin Sargent said: “When we saw confidence pick up between April and June we felt there was a definite and tangible change in the mood of the nation. “However, we were cautious as quite often when economies rise out of recession there can be false starts.
“This latest poll shows that the confidence of the nation continues to improve, though consumers remain very guarded and we are still a long way from the confidence levels we saw prior to the economic meltdown.”
