Severe UK shortages have begun to ease but store shelves remain low, with a quarter of stores still struggling.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the agency that oversees supply from November 19 to 22, 29% of stores recorded “none” or “low”. The data was collected by Kantar Public over 270 store visits.
24% of stores had no or no products at all, down from 33% a week earlier, but crisps are still the hardest product to find on shelves.
Paracetamol, ibuprofen, carbonated water and frozen turkey were the next items most affected. Fresh pork and chicken are also scarce, with 4% and 2% of stores reporting out of stock, respectively. Of all the items tracked, 10% in stores or with availability are classified as “low” at 2%, or “none” at 8%, while 54% have stock. At a high level”.
Walkers, the UK’s biggest potato chip maker, had to reduce production in early November following problems with an IT system update. The company said its factories are unlikely to ramp up production to normal levels until the end of the month.
The group prioritizes production of popular flavors like salt, cheese and ready-made onions, salt and vinegar but shortages force consumers to look for alternatives, which further depletes resources. general reserves. According to the ONS, the share of crisps in its basket has increased to 3.12 from 2.64 last year to 3.12.
Key inflation is at 4.2% and the November numbers will reflect the impact of severe shortages. However, rising energy prices, national insurance contributions and housing costs will also continue to add inflationary pressures to households.
The ONS reported this month that 14% of businesses reported labor shortages. The shortfall, caused in part by Brexit, has hit the food service and housing industries particularly severely, with 38% of businesses struggling to find workers.
The lack of staff has increased wages, a cost that can be passed on to consumers.
