Brexit to blame for fast-food chicken shortages as ministers fail to help, industry says

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. Read our privacy policy Brexit is to blame for the shortages of fast-food chicken that have shut some Nando’s stores, the industry says – accusing ministers of refusing to help. Nando’s has not publicly acknowledged the impact of Brexit, but – strikingly – admitted its chicken shortages are “not affecting outlets in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland”. “Our concern is recruitment and filling vacancies when the UK workforce has been severely depleted as a result of Brexit,” a spokesperson said, adding: “This is causing stress on UK supply chains.” The poultry industry – responsible for producing half of all the meat eaten in the UK – is reporting vacancies of more than 16 per cent, Mr Griffiths said. Mr Griffiths also dismissed fears of supermarket shortages, but warned: “We need the government to openly acknowledge that the problem exists.” The industry leader spoke out after KFC revealed its problems, warning that some items would not be available and packaging “may look a bit different to normal”.