York supermarket apologises for running low on groceries

A York supermarket has issued a notice to customers apologising for running low on groceries.

The Co-op on Clarence Street put up a notice this weekend which read: “We’re sorry we’re running low on some groceries.

“Thank you for your patience.”

Many supermarkets are warning of problems keeping their shelves stocked due to supply problems.

On Wednesday, Steve Murrells, chief executive of the Co-operative Group, warned that current food shortages are at a “worse level” than he has ever seen, with the company having to reduce product range to help serve customers.

He told the Times newspaper: “The shortages are at a worse level than at any time I have seen.”

Mr Murrells said the disruption to supply has been driven by “Brexit and issues caused by Covid”, and the firm is retraining staff as lorry drivers to help fill vacant roles.

Road haulage bosses have said there is a shortfall of around 100,000 drivers, partly caused by the exit from the UK during the pandemic of thousands of EU drivers who have not yet returned.

Industry groups have also said training for new drivers is taking months, making the shortfall in numbers difficult to resolve quickly.