As the NHS release data on the number of people who been told to self-isolate via the NHS COVID-19 App and NHS Test and Trace, there has been increased concern about the impact this is having on the UK supply chain. Over 600,000 people have been ‘pinged’ and told to stay at home, not receive visitors and try avoid contact with people they live with.
The impact of all COVID related absences within the UK working population is now filtering through the supply chain to consumers with shoppers noticing shortages on supermarket shelves and suppliers reporting issues with their routes to market.
Government previously has announced that some critical workers may return to work if they have had both vaccinations and are showing no symptoms, however critical key workers within the supply chain sectors were not included within this category.
Today (23rd July) George Eustice MP Environment Secretary has updated their guidance to enable some (limited to specific distribution depots and supermarkets, identified as strategically important) within the food industry to be exempt from current isolation rules. This change has come about due to the impact of the ‘pingdemic’ and public backlash to shortages on the supermarket shelves. Workers will need to take daily COVID tests, despite their vaccination status.
The growing number of people self-isolating has led to critical staff shortages across a range of sectors, this has resulted in a lack of capability to fulfil business commitments.
Key area’s being reported are;
- Products held up in distribution centre’s as staff shortages reduce picking and packing capabilities
- The voice of British farming, NFU, highlights key areas of concern in the poultry sector due to labour availability throughout the supply chain
- British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has warned that some companies may need to reduce the range of products being produced and in some cases shut down production
- Growers are reporting challenges with their ‘crops in the ground’ due to workforce illnesses and self-isolation issues
- Lack of drivers is reducing the amount of goods being transported
- The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) has provided advice to help dairy farmers manage the situation in the best possible way
- Fuel shortages could be on the horizon
- The UK automotive industry has reduced output
- Retailers are reporting staff shortages, resulting in products not being put out onto shelves, and potentially reduced opening hours
Sixteen sectors, including the energy sector and essential transport are included within this revised exemption from isolation list announced by the government, along with the food supply chain.
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