In its second quarter trading statement, M&S has reported that sales figures are stabilising after eight consecutive quarterly falls.

UK retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced a stabilisation in sales, showing an improved performance for the company after difficult economic conditions.

In the second quarter trading statement published today, like-for-like sales in the UK fell by 0.5% in the three months to 26 September.

Despite it being the eighth consecutive quarterly fall, the figure was toward the top end of forecasts and is an improvement on the 1.4% drop seen last quarter.

Specific departments’ sales have improved including clothing up 2.7% and international sales up 9.6%. M&S Direct also showed strong growth with a 30% increase in sales.

Sir Stuart Rose, Chairman, said: “We are pleased to report continuing improvement in our performance. This demonstrates that the actions we are taking are working.

“Whilst there is more visibility in the marketplace and consumers appear more confident, we continue to be cautious about the outlook. We expect 2010 to be a tough year and we will continue to run the business accordingly.”

Sir Rose also announced the creation of 20,000 temporary jobs nationwide to manage with the Christmas season.