Lorry drivers & factory staff among critical workers exempt from isolation as ‘pingdemic’ rages on

GOVERNMENT NEED TO ACT FAST ON THREAT OF FOOD SHORTAGES

Andrew Opie, of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The Government needs to act fast.

“Retail workers and suppliers, who have played a vital role throughout this pandemic, should be allowed to work provided they are double-jabbed or can show a negative Covid test, to ensure there is no disruption to the public’s ability to get food and other goods. With community cases soaring, the number of healthy retail staff ­having to self-isolate is rising fast, disrupting retail operations.”

Retail bosses say the heatwave and a surge in demand for barbecue food, ice creams, soft drinks, beer and salad have added to the problems.

Yesterday photos showed empty shelves at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Iceland and Lidl at stores in Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and Southampton.

There was a shortage of fresh fruit and veg, fridge food, water, beer and kitchen roll at a Tesco in Cambridge. A nearby Asda was short of bread and greens.