Stores in ‘chronic’ shortage warning
Groceries running out as delivery driver crisis hits
GROCERY shortages are reaching “chronic” levels, the boss of the Co-op has warned.
Steve Murrells said that difficulties getting certain products was the most serious he had ever known.
“When you can’t get any bottled water, that is pretty fundamental. For the last five or six weeks, things have been getting progressively worse,” he said.
His comments came as the boss of Iceland revealed driver shortages were leading to bread deliveries to around 100 stores a day being cancelled.
Managing director Richard Walker also warned: “The reason for sounding the alarm now is that we’ve already had one Christmas cancelled at the last minute. I’d hate this one to be problematic as well.
“We start to stock-build from September onwards for what is a hugely important time of year.
“We’ve got a lot of goods to transport between now and Christmas and a strong supply chain is vital for everyone.”
Some firms are responding by upping pay to attract drivers. John Lewis has raised pay by up to £5000 a year and is offering “golden hellos” of £1000 for new recruits.
However, industry chiefs warn this, and other pressures, will lead to higher prices in shops.
One source said: “We are facing one certainty and it is that inflation is coming, and is coming fast.”
Schools are now being urged to stock up on food.
The Federation of Wholesale Distributors said: “Wholesalers are keeping a close eye on availability across the range of products that schools buy and have been encouraging them to stock up early where possible.”
Retailers’ stock levels have now falled to the lowest level since 1983.