Volumes of retail sales remained flat in September for the second consecutive month, dashing hopes for solid economic recovery.

Figures compiled by the Office for National Statistics showed that sales were stagnant in September as compared with previous month.

Analysts had projected an increase of 0.5 per cent in sales for September.

As per the ONS, food inflation dropped to below 2 per cent last month from around 8 per cent during the same period last year.

Sales of footwear, textile and clothing dropped 0.5 per cent in September as compared with previous month, while food volumes plunged 0.1 per cent.

British Chambers of Commerce's chief economist David Kern said, "Disappointing retail sales figures for a second month in a row highlight concerns over the strength of the UK recovery."

However, sales of household goods jumped 0.3 per cent during the same period.