ATM withdrawals hit record levels after Government emergency guidance

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 00:44 · Archive

Average ATM withdrawal values reached record highs over the weekend, with Link suggesting people responded to Government emergency preparedness advice.

Link, the ATM network, reported record-breaking withdrawal values over the weekend. On Friday, the average withdrawal was just over £100 – the highest for any Friday since July. Saturday saw an average withdrawal of around £95, up from approximately £90 the previous Saturday and the highest ever recorded for any Saturday. Sunday's average withdrawal topped £90 for the first time on record.

Despite the higher individual amounts, the total value withdrawn on Saturday was £204 million, which was 11 per cent less than the equivalent day last year. Link attributed this to stormy weather keeping people indoors.

Link's director of strategy Graham Mott said it 'seems likely that at least some people chose to take the Government's advice and take out some extra cash to be ready for some sort of emergency'. The Government recently published emergency preparedness guidance recommending that households keep three days' worth of supplies on hand in case of a crisis such as war, a cyber attack or natural disaster. The checklist recommends nine litres of water per person and non-perishable food including tinned meat, vegetables and dried fruit.

How it is being reported

• Britons scramble to withdraw cash from ATMs after Labour issues ominous 'Be Ready' emergency guidanceATM withdrawal values surged to unprecedented levels over the weekend as members of the public appeared to respond to Labour's emergency preparedness guidance. The average amount withdrawn on Friday exceeded £100, the highest figure for that day of the week since July, according to data from the cash network Link. Saturday's average of roughly £95, up from approximately £90 the week before, set an all-time record for any Saturday in Link's records, which stretch back to 2014. Sunday also broke new ground, with the typical withdrawal topping £90 for the first time ever on that day. TRENDING…GB News · 27 Oct, 00:28
• Average ATM withdrawal values jumped to record levels over weekend, says LinkThe ATM network said it seems likely that at least some people chose to follow Government recommendations to be prepared for emergencies.Evening Standard · 26 Oct, 16:23

In this story: Link · Government · UK

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