The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) released its retail sales balance data on Tuesday. The CBI retail sales balance climbed to 7 in May from -13% in April, in line with expectations.

The increase was driven by rises in sectors, such as hardware & DIY, clothing and recreational goods.

Sales are expected to decline slightly next month.

"A bit like the start of the British summer, it's been a mixed bag for the retail sector this month. Whilst sales have risen a little, they are expected to fall again next month, and orders have dropped sharply," CBI Director of Economics, Rain Newton-Smith, said.