Lorry driver shortage prompts food price rise fear

The national shortage of lorry drivers could lead to a rise in food prices, wholesalers have warned.

Darren Labbett, managing director of Woods Foodservice, told the BBC that his industry was facing a "perfect storm" of adverse effects.

"We've got the Brexit situation and the after-effects of the pandemic coming together at the same time," he added.

Mr Labbett said the cost of vegetable oil was at a 30-year high because of higher shipping costs and demand.

"As we came out of lockdown, the demand for everything went through the roof overnight," he said.

Mr Labbett added that wholesalers were "trying our utmost" to absorb the extra costs instead of passing them on, "but we can't absorb those price increases forever".

Many businesses have been complaining about the UK's shortage of lorry drivers, which continues to cause serious supply chain problems.

The coronavirus pandemic, Brexit and tax changes have all contributed to a lack of qualified drivers. Industry bodies estimate there is a shortfall of about 100,000 workers.

On Thursday, Andrew Opie from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) warned that UK food manufacturing was under severe strain because of shortages of HGV drivers and other supply chain staff, meaning that some production might have to move out of the country.