Supply-hit firms urged to speak out on disruption
Businesses affected by ongoing shortages and price hikes have been urged to share their experiences.
As the UK faces the continuing economic and industrial disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit, sky-high gas prices have resulted in shortages across multiple UK sectors as energy prices rocket.
Large UK factories specialising in the production of fertiliser have halted operations due to huge increases in wholesale gas prices – a result of these industrial processes is CO2 (carbon dioxide), used to carbonate water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages; to help grow plants; to stun livestock before slaughter; for packaging meats and other products; and to keep food fresh during transport.
The work stoppage has resulted in a drop in the supply of food-grade CO2 in the UK by around 60 per cent.
Empty supermarket shelves have also been a cause for concern locally.
Stirling MP, Alyn Smith has called on businesses impacted to contact him.
He said: “Stirling’s businesses cannot afford further disruption as they plan their way through recovery from the pandemic. Many industries and households across the country face huge uncertainty as energy bills spike, leading to production issues and shortages of goods.
“This comes on top of a cut to
Universal Credit, the rise in National Insurance contributions and the premature end to the furlough scheme – in addition to labour and food shortages we’ve already seen as a result of the pandemic and Brexit.
“Stirling, Scotland and the rest of the
UK face a bleak winter.
“I urge the UK Government to get their act together to stabilise the energy sector, reverse the cut to Universal Credit and focus on supporting households and businesses through the coming winter.”
Keith Brown MSP has also contacted several businesses in the local area to get a better understanding of how the national CO2 shortage over concerns there could be food supply issues within days.
He said: “CO2 is used across a range of industries to produce and preserve food and drink products. It is used to stun animals for humane slaughter for the meat industry, it adds fizz to carbonated drinks and is used in hospitality businesses to serve draught beverages, and it is used to extend the shelf life of fresh produce.
“I want to hear the first-hand situation of any business facing difficulties as a result of this shortage.
Any local businesses in the Stirling area who are experiencing CO2 shortages or economic uncertainty from the energy crisis have been urged to contact the MP’s and MSP’s office.
Politicians want to hear from businesses