Shops provide free cash withdrawals at the till

STORES will offer cash withdrawals from tills without having to make a purchase as part of a trial to keep banknotes available to all shoppers. The initiative, which starts on October 15, is being launched by cash machine network Link and in- store payment services provider PayPoint. People will be able to withdraw precise amounts rather than ATM denominations.

The trial will start in 15 shops at first. John Glen, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said: “Protecting access to cash is a key government priority.”