IN BRIEF

Shop prices fell by an average 0.3% year on year in August, figures show. That compared with deflation of 0.4% in July, said the British Retail Consortium. Food price inflation picked up from 1.2% to 1.3%. But non-food prices were still 1.3% lower year on year.

SSE has launched a discounted broadband service for its energy customers. Prices are fixed for three years with no contract, and range from £21 to £35 a month including line rental.

The pension black hole among FTSE 350 companies has grown to £62billion, according to actuarial firm Barnett Waddingham. It says the figure has jumped by £12bn in the past year.

EasyJet passengers can now pay £4 each to not have to carry their own hand luggage. The Hands Free option allows customers to leave their cases at the airport bag drop area, and be among the first to pick them up on arrival. The scheme is being rolled out on most easyJet flights, barring those through Gatwick Airport.