AG Barr, makers of Irn-Bru, have said that they will have to monitor shortages closely amid 'issues associated' with the HGV driver crisis with the hopes that current issues can be resolved.
We previously reported that AG Barr were facing Irn-Bru supply issues after the company confirmed to Glasgow Live that "like lots of businesses we're experiencing some issues associated with driver shortages across the UK.
"In Scotland we are able to use more of our own fleet and our dedicated team across our supply chain is working hard to make sure the Bru gets through."
However now in an update, industry bosses have said that "in recent weeks we have seen increased challenges across the UK road haulage fleet, associated in part with the Covid pandemic, impacting customer deliveries and inbound materials.
"In addition, the risks associated with the wider labour pool and the current Covid pandemic response are areas we continue to monitor closely."
It is estimated that around 100,00 drivers are part of the HGV crisis with many still waiting to get their test booked to become qualified.
In Glasgow alone, offers for HGV drivers have increased with some companies 'urgently looking' for qualified drivers who can earn up to £50,000 as well as earning a sign-on bonus so that supermarkets and the Scots fizzy drink giant can keep up with demand.
In order to help ease pressures of the current situation, it is said that Boris Johnson will approve short-term plans for 5,000 European lorry drivers to be allowed into the UK in a bid to ease the nation’s HGV crisis with military driving examiners also being brought in to increase the number of HGV tests being taken and clearing the backlog.
Despite AG Barr already facing issues due to the lack of HGV drivers, they are now hit with more issues as a result of carbon dioxide shortages which will impact the soft-drinks industry as a whole. However there is hope this issue will soon be resolved.
