Empty supermarket shelves have been a familiar sight for UK consumers in recent months, and one industry body is warning that they’re likely to become a permanent fixture.
Ian Wright, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation, told an event organised by the Institute for Government think tank that we should expect “permanent shortages”.
“It’s going to get worse, and it’s not going to get better after getting worse any time soon,” he said.
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This is because, he said, labour shortages - particularly of lorry drivers - have rendered supermarkets’ “just-in-time” delivery system effectively unworkable, as it’s no longer possible to deliver goods as and when they’re required.
What’s causing the shortages?
The main reason for the shortages on UK supermarket shelves is the shortage of lorry drivers in the UK. The shortfall is estimated at around 90,000.
In part, this is down to Brexit, as firms can no longer resolve the problem by recruiting drivers from the European Union.
But there are also long-term factors at work. For years, the number of new lorry drivers entering the industry has been lower than the number of those retiring.
A lot of younger people are simply not attracted to the idea of lorry driving, which often involves long periods away from family and friends.
What is the government doing to tackle the problem?
The government is set to simplify the testing system for truck drivers, in a bid to speed up the process of obtaining the necessary licences.
At present, aspiring lorry drivers are required to obtain class C (rigid lorries) and class C&E (heavy goods vehicles) licences separately. This is expected to be streamlined so that more drivers can be brought in quicker.
Hauliers have also appealed to the government to exempt foreign drivers from post-Brexit immigration restrictions, but these calls have so far been rebuffed.
How long will the food shortages last?
If Ian Wright is correct, the days when consumers could expect all of their favourite products to be available in supermarkets and restaurants could be over.
The changes to the HGV licensing system may eventually help to ease the problem, but the Road Haulage Association - which represents haulage firms - has warned the public not to expect a “quick fix”.
It’s also possible that pressure from disgruntled consumers eventually forces the government to permit more overseas lorry drivers to work in the UK.
But at present, we just can’t say for sure when, or if, the current shortages will end.
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