Link has reported a jump in the average value of ATM withdrawals, suggesting some people may have followed Government advice to stay prepared for emergencies.
The ATM and cash access network said that on Friday last week, the average value of a withdrawal was just over £100, the highest for any Friday since July. On Saturday, around £95 was withdrawn on average, up from around £90 the previous Saturday and the highest average amount for any Saturday ever recorded by Link.
Record Weekend Withdrawals
On Sunday, an average of just over £90 was withdrawn, the first time Link has recorded an average withdrawal of more than £90 on any Sunday. On Saturday, a total of £204 million was withdrawn from Link ATMs, 11% less than the equivalent day last year, which Link said reflected the impacts of stormy weather.
Link’s comparable records go back to 2014.
Government Preparedness Advice
The Government has drawn up recommendations for households to have three days’ worth of bottled water and tinned food to deal with a crisis such as a war, an online attack or natural disaster. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said last week: “We’re having the conversation with people about being better prepared because we’re living in a world where unexpected events seem to be becoming more and more common.”
A checklist drawn up by the Government recommends having nine litres of water per person, enough for three days, along with non-perishable food such as tinned meat and vegetables or dried fruit. The list also suggests hand sanitiser, wet wipes and toiletries, food for any pets, supplies for any babies, a battery-powered or wind-up FM radio, a torch, blankets, a charged power bank for devices, cash, a first aid kit and copies of important documents.
Link's Assessment
Graham Mott, director of strategy at Link, said it “seems likely that at least some people chose take the Government’s advice and to take out some extra cash to be ready for some sort of emergency”.
