Vulnerable shoppers miss out as cash is snubbed at the checkout

VULNERABLE people risk being blocked from buying essential goods due to the shift to a cashless society, campaigners have warned.

The study by Which? found that one in 10 shoppers were unable to pay with cash when they reached a till by shops which insisted on only taking card payments during lockdown.

A quarter of those classed as vulnerable, such as older people, had to leave the store empty-handed on at least one occasion, as they had no alternative ways of paying.

Gareth Shaw of Which? said: “The coronavirus outbreak has shown that cash remains vital to many consumers, particularly for vulnerable people who rely on it to pay for essential supplies.

“It’s vital that the already fragile cash system isn’t left to collapse completely as the UK’s shift to a cashless society accelerates.”

Cash withdrawals have reduced by 45 per cent since lockdown, according to ATM operator Notemachine.

Which? has called for more support for businesses so they can accept cash once again, including guidance on how they can handle banknotes safely.