SHELVES are lying empty in supermarkets due to ongoing supply chain issues in the UK.
Empty crisp, juice and meat shelves have been seen at Tesco Extra in Banbury.
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Signs have been stuck next to empty spaces saying when items will be back in stock.
Shoppers will have to wait almost two weeks to get their hands on Tesco's six-pack of lentil curls. The sign says: "Sorry. Out of stock. Next delivery expected Monday, 15th November."
Some of the other items with signs include Tesco's cheese puffs and assorted crisps and Walkers Quavers.
The juice and meat shelves have also been seen looking sparse with the same labels attached informing shoppers of when stock is expected to be delivered next.
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Tesco says deliveries arrive at stores and distribution centres across the UK everyday and that while the industry-wide shortage of HGV drivers has led to some distribution challenges, it is working hard to address these and to plan for the months ahead, so that customers can get everything they need.
It has been increasing the volumes on its rail distribution network and is offering HGV drivers who joing Tesco a £1,000 joining bonus.
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It also says that as part of the supermarket chain's detailed Christmas planning, it has also opened additional capacity in the distribution network, so that it has extra space to build stock and support suppliers.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps insisted last month that measures introduced to tackle supply chain problems will mean “Christmas will go ahead”.
The Cabinet minister claimed steps to ease the flow of goods in the UK “are having an impact”.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced plans to lift the limit on the number of deliveries foreign lorry drivers can make in the UK for up to six months.
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Currently, hauliers from the EU can only make up to two trips to drop off or pick up goods between locations in the UK within one week.
Under the DfT proposal, there would be no restriction on the number of those journeys foreign lorry drivers can make over a two-week period before they return to their country of origin.
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