The government wants advice on fixing the supply problems that have led to petrol and other shortages.
Image source, Reuters
Boris Johnson has appointed the former Tesco chief executive, Sir Dave Lewis, to advise on how to fix the supply chain crisis that has led to petrol and other shortages.
It comes as the Office for National Statistics found one in six UK adults said they had been unable to buy essential foods in the last fortnight.
The recent fuel crisis was caused in part by a shortage of lorry drivers.
Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic have also played their part.
The ONS found that 17% of adults said they had not been able to buy essential food items because they were not available, and almost a quarter (23%) said the same for non-essential food items.
The government said businesses had faced a range of challenges over recent months as they recovered from the global pandemic which has affected supply chains across Europe and around the world.
Mr Johnson said: “There are currently global supply issues which we are working with industry to mitigate and Dave brings a wealth of experience which will help us continue to protect our businesses and supply chains.”
A statement said this would include “both identifying the causes of current blockages and pre-empting potential future ones, and advising on resolutions either through direct government action or through industry with government support”.
Sir Dave left the supermarket giant in September last year after helping mend its fortunes following a major accounting scandal.
He has been appointed until the end of the year and will start work in his new role on Monday.Former Tesco boss to advise on supply chain crisis
Many businesses in the UK have been complaining of supply chain issues, with a shortage of HGV drivers and specialised labour leading to gaps on supermarket shelves and problems with fuel supplies to petrol forecourts.
On Thursday, a trade body representing thousands of fuel retailers called for an independent inquiry into the continuing supply problems for petrol and diesel, which have led to panic-buying and lengthy queues.
Retailers have also said they face a struggle to ensure supplies are in place for the crucial Christmas trading period.
Earlier this week, Tesco’s chief executive Ken Murphy said there would “be bumps in the road in the run-up to Christmas. We’re seeing our share of challenges”.
Image source, Getty Images
Nestle, the producer of Quality Street and Lion bars. has also said it is experiencing some supply chain problems ahead of the Christmas period.
Nestle chief executive Mark Schneider said: “Like other businesses, we are seeing some labour shortages and some transportation issues but it’s our UK team’s top priority to work constructively with retailers to supply them”.
When asked whether he could guarantee Quality Street would be in the shops this Christmas he replied: “We are working hard.”
Farmers are warning of a Christmas turkey shortage because visa changes to allow labour recruitment from abroad have come too late.
The Toy Retailers Association has said shoppers may struggle to find what they want, while John Lewis says it is chartering a fleet of extra ships to make sure it has Christmas stock on time.