Marks & Spencer is to end its easy refund policy, which currently allows customers to return items whenever they wish without having to worry about a time limit.

The company is expected to set a time limit of three months, according to newspaper reports. This would compare favourably with many of its high street rivals which insist items are returned within 28 days,

The changes to the policy come shortly after the chain lost its title as Britain’s biggest clothing retailer to Asda, in terms of the number of items sold. The company still retains its number one position if measured in sales value.