The CPI rose by 1.2% in April on a monthly basis, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data.
This uptick in the inflation rate was somewhat mitigated by a decrease in prices within the clothing and footwear category.
Prices of clothing and footwear decreased by 0.4%, in contrast to an increase of 1.1% during the preceding 12 months ending in March.
During the month, prices of clothing and footwear experienced a monthly decrease of 1.1%, whereas there had been a rise of 0.4% during the same period the previous year.
Women's garments, infant clothing, and women's footwear were the categories contributing most significantly to the downward trend. A notable increase in discounted items was observed within these categories.
British Retail Consortium insights director Kris Hamer said: "Headline inflation accelerated in April as additional costs from rising National Living Wage and Employers’ NI costs filtered through to prices faced by consumers, as well as rising costs of utilities (energy, water and broadband). The jump in labour costs pushed up food inflation, which climbed above 3%. However, there was some good news for furniture and clothing shoppers as prices fell year on year, with retailers offered good promotions on summer apparel and electricals.”
The CPI for all services climbed by 5.4% over the 12 months to April 2025, marking an increase from the 4.7% recorded over the previous year's corresponding period.
Meanwhile, the CPI for all goods rose by 1.7% over the same timeframe, up from a modest 0.6% increase observed previously.
"Rising inflation was inevitable following the wave of additional costs hitting employers, and particularly retailers who employ over 3 million people across the country. For months retailers have been warning that rising costs would lead to higher prices. To mitigate this, the government must now find ways to help reduce business costs and regulatory burden. It is imperative that its Employment Rights Bill targets unscrupulous employers and avoids burdening responsible businesses with additional costs which could put retail job numbers into reverse,” Hamer added.
