Politics · United Kingdom · 4 hrs ago
UK households stockpile essentials after government emergency advice
More than one in three UK adults are stockpiling or plan to stockpile tinned food and dried goods after government advice to prepare for emergencies.
A similar share are doing the same with bottled water, while around one in four are keeping spare batteries and toiletries.
Only 44% of households say they have enough food and drinking water for three days, the period the government recommends preparing for.
The government’s Be Ready campaign suggests keeping items such as non-perishable food, water, a radio and cash in case emergencies disrupt power, water or electronic payments.
Younger adults are less prepared, with 31% of people aged 18 to 34 saying they have enough for three days, compared with 53% of those aged 55 and over.
Some retailers have reported higher sales of essentials, but Marks & Spencer said stock levels remained manageable.
The government says households can build supplies gradually, adding a few items to their regular shopping.
More than one in three UK adults have started stockpiling tins and dried goods, or plan to, after government advice, Barclays research suggests.
A similar share are stockpiling bottled water, while one in four are doing the same with spare batteries and toiletries.
Only 44% of households say they have enough food and drinking water to last at least three days.
Preparedness is lower among younger adults: 31% of people aged 18 to 34 say they have enough, compared with 53% of those aged 55 and over.
Marks & Spencer said it had seen some increase in canned goods and water, but stock levels remained manageable.
- Who
- UK households responding to Barclays research.
- What
- Many have started stockpiling, or plan to stockpile, essentials after government advice to prepare for emergencies.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- The UK.
- Why
- The government advised households to keep supplies for a national emergency, including possible disruption to power, water or electronic payments.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Barclays data showed supermarket spending jumped 49% in the week before the first lockdown.
The government’s Be Ready campaign advised households to keep essential supplies on hand.
The Mirror reported Barclays research findings on household stockpiling and preparedness.
- Households with enough supplies
- 44% say they have food and drinking water for at least three days
- Adults aged 18 to 34
- 31% say they have enough supplies
- Adults aged 55 and over
- 53% say they have enough supplies
- Tinned and dried goods
- More than one in three adults have started stockpiling them or aim to
- Marks & Spencer
- Reported some rise in canned goods and water, with stock levels described as manageable
1 source
What people are saying
A lot of people are clearly asking themselves, ‘what would I do if the power went off or the taps ran dry for a few days?’ That’s a sensible question.
It's encouraging that people are taking practical steps to be ready.