Tesco announces it is STOCKPILING for No Deal: Supermarket boss sparks Christmas panic buying fears for families amid chaotic scenes at ports already hit by covid delays
Tesco chairman John Allan warns of food shortages and 5% price rises if UK moves to WTO rules on January 1
Mr Allan said: We may have some shortages of fresh foods, particularly short life fresh foods. I think that will only be for a limited period, a month or two before we get back to normal
Dominic Raab has suggested Tesco is spreading panic among consumer about Britain leaving the EU
Large queues of lorries heading into Dover after surge of imports from Europe and container ship crisis
‘Price rises likely’ due to UK shipping problems
Businesses say a global shipping crisis is causing freight costs to soar and UK consumers may soon see price rises for imported goods.
On top of skyrocketing shipping rates, carriers are adding congestion charges for imports to Felixstowe and Southampton, because of severe delays.
The logistics industry has written to the Department for Transport calling for it to help clear port backlogs.
One freight director said the UK’s ports are currently “broken”.
Global shipping schedules were initially disrupted during the early stages of the pandemic, but recently a surge in demand for imports and a backlog of empty shipping containers are causing bottlenecks at UK ports.
Drivers transporting essentials will be able to work for longer than EU rules would usually allow, the government has said.
The relaxation is in response to pressures on local and national supply chains and applies to drivers in Britain who are transporting food and other essential goods, such as medical supplies.
It comes amid growing concern about port congestion, unusual demand patterns and the effects of
COVID-19-related restrictions and demands on supply chains, the government said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Major delays at shipping ports
Drivers will be able to work two consecutive six-day weeks until 30 December for goods travelling between transport hubs, warehouses and stores.