(Corrects to remove extraneous word from headline)
LONDON, March 25 (Reuters) – British consumer sentiment this month was slightly weaker than three months earlier, pushed down by worries about grocery and energy costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East, according to a quarterly survey from accountants KPMG.
Half of people who thought the economy was worsening had cut spending as a consequence, and 40% of them were deferring major purchases, up from 34% three months ago.
“Considering the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and the actual and potential impact on energy and grocery prices, it is not a surprise that we are seeing heightened consumer concern about the economic health of the UK,” said Linda Ellett, head of consumer, retail and leisure for KPMG UK.
Following are further key points from the release:
(Reporting by David MillikenEditing by William Schomberg)





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