Cash is a SAFE choice

21 JULY | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

BSIA calls on retailers and local authorities to promote cash as a ‘SAFE choice’ of payment

 

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA), is calling on retailers in all sectors and local authorities across the United Kingdom to recognise, acknowledge and to promote the use of cash as a SAFE choice of payment during and after the COVID-19 crisis.

As the Association that represents the UK’s cash-in-transit industry, the BSIA has produced a report Cash is a SAFE Choice, a compendium of evidence-based research from organisations such as; the British Retail Consortium, the World Health Organisation, Which?, Association of Convenience Stores, UK Finance and members of the cash industry. The report outlines the current approach to cash in which it is to be avoided as a credible transactional tool as the public return to shopping centres and hospitality. This not only lacks credibility, but also takes away choice from the consumer, poses a serious threat to the cash-in-transit industry, and the recovery of the UK economy.

The report discusses that the United Kingdom still comprehensively uses cash as a method of transaction and that, although there has been a decrease for a number of years, it is still necessary for some and a choice for everyone who wishes to get access to it. In addition, the report states clearly that in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is little or any evidence that using cash can spread Coronavirus, as well as highlighting the work of members of the industry are carrying out to keep cash in circulation as a safe choice.

Sarah Staff, Head of SaferCash, BSIA said: “Over two million adults remain unbanked in Britain, some by choice, some by access. An estimated 1.9 million rely on cash for nearly every transaction they make, and eight million would struggle in a cashless society.  Our Cash is a SAFE Choice report shows we are not yet - if ever - ready to be ‘cashless’, as many media reports are referencing.

“The public are being swayed with constant marketing and reminders to pay by card, ditch cash, shop online and keep things digital, and a great deal of businesses and retailers are simply refusing to accept cash without explaining why, which promotes fear and incorrect perceptions. Taking away cash from communities who not only rely on cash and the many who use cash as alternative payment is taking away choice of a valid transactional method, and we are calling on all retailers and local authorities to pull back from taking hard currency out of the equation and to put into place information that support as relevant tender.”

The report highlights that ‘cash is…’:

Secure – it minimises risk as digital accounts are vulnerable to cybercrime, fraud, and power outages. it protects the privacy of the user and it is resilient – during a crisis we trust real currency – cash is a top recommended emergency item.

Accessible – the UK Government and Chancellor Rishi Sunak promised in March 2020 to create legislation to protect access to cash. Cash also keeps growing as the demand increases globally both in absolute value and relative to GDP.

Fee-free – There are no costs for consumers using cash – it is pure tangible money.

Everyone – History shows human beings have used tangible monetary systems since the Stone Age, it is democratic and inclusive, universal and a freedom of choice.

Gareth Skinner, Chairman of the BSIA’s Cash-in-transit section, said: “The negative impacts are not just to the cash industry, but to the whole UK economy, which is one of the main reasons the BSIA is highlighting the importance of cash usage. This needs to be looked at now and not wait for the industry to get past the point of no return. Retailers and local authorities should set the example the public need, to ensure there are no negative repercussions. The public and consumers will then lead by example.”

Mike Reddington, Chief Executive, BSIA, said: “The Cash is a SAFE Choice report clearly demonstrates that there is still an appetite for the general public to use cash as an alternative method of paying, even during the COVID-19 crisis.

“With such a body of evidence that clearly contradicts the current misconceptions, we believe the death of cash is completely unfounded, exaggerated and, more importantly detrimental to a great many people and businesses which, as we try to recover from the aftershocks of COVID-19, misleading and incredibly damaging to the cash industry and the economy as a whole.”

Cash is a SAFE Choice is available from the BSIA website.

 

ENDS

Press contact

Katherine Ingram | Public Relations & Communications Officer

[email protected] | 07764 968 196

 

Notes to editors

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is the trade association for the professional security industry in the UK.

BSIA members are responsible for more than 70% of privately provided UK security products and services (by turnover) including the manufacture, distribution and installation of electronic and physical security equipment and the provision of security guarding and consultancy services. Their members are industry professionals ranging in size from global companies to small and medium enterprises, offering quality products and services to a vast spectrum of end-users.

The Cash is a SAFE Choice report can be downloaded via this link or read online.