The number of shoppers at UK High Streets and shopping centres declined by 3.9 per cent during RMT Union rail strikes last week, data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has found.

Thursday 23 June was the worst performing day, according to the figures, with an overall drop in footfall of 13.7 per cent in comparison to the previous month.

On Tuesday 21, footfall decreased by 9.4 per cent compared to the prior four-week period.

High Streets were the worst performing, with a 3.3 per cent decline.

London saw footfall decrease by 1.4 per cent during the week, while on Tuesday the capital saw numbers drop by 7.4 per cent as it was impacted by both Tube and Rail strikes.

"As expected, commuter traffic was hit with many working from home to avoid unnecessary travel, impacting already-vulnerable city centre businesses reliant on those commuters,” said Helen Dickinson, chief executive, BRC. “Whilst we hope footfall will bounce back in the following weeks and months, it comes at a difficult time for businesses as costs are continuing to spiral and consumers are tightening their belts.

“Retailers continue to do all they can to help consumers and keep prices down, expanding their value ranges, offering discounts for some vulnerable groups, and investing in their own supply chains to reduce future costs."

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