Ikea hit by supply issues due to Brexit and lorry driver shortage

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Signs attached to tables and windows at the pub chain read: “We are experiencing a shortage of some menu items – some items may be temporarily unavailable while others may have changed.” Talking about the problems at Ikea, one insider told The Independent: “What we are seeing is a perfect storm of issues, including the disruption of global trade flows and a shortage of drivers, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic and Brexit.” A spokesperson for the company said: “Like many retailers, we are experiencing ongoing challenges with our supply chains due to Covid-19 and labour shortages, with transport, raw materials and sourcing all impacted. Another buyer, Claire Mcmenamin, tried to buy the Hyllestad or Hokkasen mattresses in super king size but was told by IKEA support officers that both items had a “supplier issue” and couldn’t be ordered. A spokesperson for the restaurant chain said that “all items on the menu are available, but there might be substitute products of the same item from an alternative supplier, if the existing supplier can’t supply at present.” Couriers are also warning that customs and supply issues caused by Brexit will have a big impact on retailers’ ability to supply Christmas toys and food. “With businesses in the food, logistics and hospitality sectors starting to gear up for Christmas, the months ahead could be difficult, even with a large number of people coming off furlough in August and September.” He added that, although many people are finding new work post-pandemic, “there is good evidence to suggest that the market will remain tight for some years to come, even if this current crisis passes.” An Ikea spokesperson continued: “We hope this will reduce as the situation improves in the coming weeks and months.