The UK’s shop vacancy rate has fallen to its lowest level since April 2010. The figures from the Local Data Company show that the vacancy rate dropped to 12.9% in September, driven by wage rises and higher employment rates across the UK.

Matthew Hopkinson, director at The Local Data Company, said: “Clearly this is very good news that vacancy rates are at their lowest level for over five years. There are a number of reasons for this and these will vary by specific location but ultimately consumers have more money in their pockets as a result of wages being higher than inflation, employment levels are improving and there is greater focus on the living wage as well as zero hours contracts.”