Retail sales jumped nearly 5% in London last month as the warm weather tempted shoppers nervous about the recession onto the High Street.

The London Retail Consortium today said like-for-like sales in the capital were 4.7% higher in June than they were in the same month last year. That was a far better performance than the 1.4% rise seen in the UK as a whole.

“Yes, London outperformed the rest of the UK,” said British Retail Consortium director general Stephen Robertson. “But, like the rest of the country, uncertainty about jobs means Londoners are still nervous about spending, particularly big-ticket items.”

Business was helped by the June heatwave, visitors from overseas attracted by London's sights and the weak pound, and discounts in a number of stores.

“Sunshine and sales helped to boost London retail sales,” said Robertson. “Footfall in the capital was well up on a year ago as shoppers sought out summer clothes, sandals and outdoor goods.

“The pound's weakness against the euro continued to attract shoppers from western Europe. And sales in the capital were also helped by Middle Eastern visitors. Although individual tourists have become more cautious, there are more of them, which produced sales gains.”

Sales were 3.9% higher in the second quarter than in the same period last year, with London again outstripping the 1.7% rise around the country.

Helen Dickinson, head of retail at KPMG, said: “Many of London's retailers had a better month in June, boosted by the good weather and some early sales and promotions which benefited clothing and footwear in particular.

“Consumer confidence continues to hold up better in the capital than in other parts of the UK but there remains a high level of volatility on a day-to-day, week-to-week basis.”