Supermarket shoppers have taken to social media to complain about cancelled deliveries due to the “pingdemic” staff shortages.
Tesco customers claim their orders were cancelled at the last minute yesterday, with some getting a text from the supermarket just hours before it had been due to arrive.
Morrisons also told The Mirror they've had to limit delivery slots in some areas due to driver shortages.
It comes after Sainsbury’s admitted it “might not always have the exact product a customer is looking for” and Lidl said it is becoming “increasingly difficult” to manage staff shortages.
The Co-op has also apologised to customers for having low supplies of some products, while Iceland said it has been forced to shut some stores temporarily.
But shoppers are still being encouraged not to panic buy, despite images of empty shelves dominating headlines over the last 24 hours.
Posting on Twitter, one person said: "Tesco home delivery got cancelled short notice because of a lack of drivers so just done the food shop on my lunch break."
Another said: "Hi Tesco, I’ve had a text saying my delivery for tonight has been cancelled due to store issues."
A third tweeted: "We're self-isolating and just got our supermarket delivery cancelled due to driver shortage."
A fourth said: "Our delivery from Tesco in Nottingham was also cancelled today due to a driver shortage."
Retailers are struggling due a lack of HGV drivers - a situation being made worse by the "pingdemic" - and high levels of staff having to self-isolate.
Last night, the government published its full list of critical sectors whose workers can avoid Covid isolation.
Industries include - but are not exclusive to - food production and supply, medicines, border control and digital infrastructure.
But while it does include supermarket depots and some of the key food manufacturers, it doesn't include shelf stackers and others who work directly in shops.
Firms who are eligible will have to apply to the government for permission for staff to keep working on an individual basis.
The spokesman from No10 yesterday urged shoppers not to stockpile goods and said the UK has "a robust and resilient food supply chain".
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) - the trade association for all UK retailers - is also encouraging Brits not to panic buy, but it admits retailers are under “increasing pressure” to keep shelves stocked.
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the BRC, said: "The ongoing 'pingdemic' is putting increasing pressure on retailers' ability to maintain opening hours and keep shelves stocked. Government needs to act fast.
"Retail workers and suppliers, who have played a vital role throughout this pandemic, should be allowed to work provided they are double vaccinated or can show a negative coronavirus test, to ensure there is no disruption to the public's ability to get food and other goods.
"With community cases soaring, the number of healthy retail staff having to self-isolate is rising fast, disrupting retail operations."
