Debit card spending during the week to 9 April rose 3% from the previous week and was 26% higher than the period a year earlier, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

UK high street footfall was 113% of the level of last week but the use of debit cards fell by 9% as many shops were closed for part of the long Easter weekend. 

Pubs proved popular

The category that climbed the most was debit card spending on “pubs, restaurants and fast food” which increased by 17% from the previous week. The “travel and accommodation” category largely held steady.

Businesses were still looking to make hires, though. The ONS said the total number of online job adverts grew by 1% on 6 April 2023 compared with the previous week. However, that was still 18% lower than during the equivalent period a year ago.