In May, shop price deflation remained unchanged at 0.1%, aligning with April's figures, while food inflation climbed to 2.8%, with fresh food becoming more expensive. Non-food items showed overall deflation but prices started to rise in some categories. The British Retail Consortium's Helen Dickinson pointed to rising costs from national insurance and living wage increases as reasons for increasing inflation. Retailers may face additional costs from new taxes, which could impact pricing and cost households more in the future.
"While overall shop prices remain unchanged in May, food inflation rose for the fourth consecutive month. Fresh foods were the main driver, and red meat eaters may have noticed their steak got a little more expensive as wholesale beef prices increased."
"With retailers now absorbing the additional £5bn in costs from April's increased Employer National Insurance contributions and National Living Wage, it is no surprise that inflation is rearing its head once again."
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