Peri-Perilous! Nando's crisis goes into day two as chain is forced to close MORE restaurants amid nationwide chicken shortages

Nando's has today been forced to shut almost 75 restaurants after blaming its nationwide lack of chicken on the national shortage of HGV drivers, a staffing crisis and the impact of the 'pingdemic'. 

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The popular fast food outlet became the latest restaurant to see its supply chain hit by staff shortages yesterday; causing its popular Peri-Peri wings and thighs to be temporarily taken off the menu.

Nando's said it will provide 70 staff to its suppliers' factories in a desperate bid to temporarily restore normal levels of food deliveries and reopen its affected restaurants.  

But despite sending in temporary staff, a further 27 restaurants across the country had to be shut on Wednesday. 

According to their website, almost 75 Nando's venues have been forced to close today as a result of the supply chain issues. 

20 employees are used per shift, per day to 'support key suppliers' and boxing and packaging product, a Nando's spokesperson told MailOnline. 

A sign on the doors of a branch of Nando's in White City, Manchester, telling customers that the store is temporarily closed

Customers look on at the 'Sorry, we're currently closed' sign on the Nando's restaurant on Oxford Road in Manchester

No entry: The doors to the Bradford Leisure Exchange Nando's were locked on Tuesday as confused diners waited outside

Chicken chaos: Closed shutters greet customers at Nando's restaurant in the Bullring shopping centre, Birmingham

The popular fast food outlet became the latest restaurant to see its supply chain hit by staff shortages; causing its popular Peri-Peri wings and thighs to be temporarily taken off the menu 

Nando's has become the latest major retailer to see its supply chain struck down during the 'pingdemic' after staff shortages caused 48 UK restaurants to close. Above: A closed store in Clapham, London

The company has been informing customers online that its current shortages have been caused by staff 'isolation periods' and suppliers 'struggling to keep up with demand'.

But industry sources have warned that logistic issues would continue to hit food supply chains across the UK in the coming weeks after continued warnings went unheeded.  

'We raised this issue with Government many weeks ago and nothing significant has happened since, so it is clearly not going away,' he said.

'We need new workers to come on board to cope with this demand, and while Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) have been helpful, the issue is with the Home Office.

'There are shortages fluctuating between 10% and 20% of staff, so we need some emergency changes get workers overseas who can fill this gap.'

Nando's said it has seconded around 70 staff to suppliers to help with supply issues, but industry sources said this 'will not touch the sides'.

The industry executive added that the 'complexity' of requirements for products ordered by the like of Nando's and KFC means they will face greater levels of disruption from staff shortages than supermarkets.

In social media posts shared last night, the Nando's UK Twitter account wrote: 'The UK supply chain is having a bit of a 'mare right now.

'This is having a knock-on effect with some of our restaurants across England, Scotland and Wales.'

Venues from all corners of the UK have had to temporarily shut their doors as a result.

From Bristol to Teesside, customers won't be able to enjoy the chicken chain's famous Peri-Peri wings and thighs due to the staff shortages that have been exacerbated by the 'pingdemic'.

Nando's has said it will provide 70 staff to its suppliers' factories to temporarily ease the pressure and reopen its affected restaurants. Above: Bethnal Green venue in London was also closed

Temporary opening hours had to be posted on the front door of the Nando's restaurant in White City Retail park, Manchester

The Nando's restaurant in Bethnal Green, east London was eerily quiet at lunchtime Tuesday

Disappointed diners are turned away at Nando's in Bradford, West Yorkshire at lunch time on Tuesday as staff shortages have caused the chicken chain to run out of thighs and wings

This Nando's restaurant in Bradford, West Yorkshire also informed customers that it will be closed

Which Nando's restaurants are closed? 

London

South East

South/South West

Wales 

North West 

 North East 

Scotland

Midlands 

Disgruntled customers took to social media to bemoan their lack of chicken, as Nando's said the 'small number' of its 968 restaurants that remain closed are set to reopen once deliveries arrive this week.

Signs in restaurant windows blamed a shortage of stock from suppliers while customers were also told online that it was impacted by 'isolation periods' among staff. 

Pictures taken in the capital showed the Clapham Nando's closed, with a sign posted on its front door to customers reading: 'Sorry, we will be close today.

'Today, we will be closed due to stock supply issues effecting trade.' 

Pictures also showed diners being turned away in Bradford, West Yorkshire after the restaurant was forced to shut. 

A Nando's spokeswoman said: 'The UK food industry has been experiencing disruption across its supply chain in recent weeks due to staff shortages and a number of our restaurants have been impacted.

'However, since Monday, a team of our brilliant Nandocas have been supporting our key suppliers onsite - working in partnership to help get things moving again, and this has already had a positive impact on affected restaurants.

'From this Saturday, as a result of the hard work behind the scenes, it is our intention that all of our restaurants will be open again, and all our customers can enjoy their favourite peri-peri chicken.'

The restaurant chain uses Avara, Moy Park and 2 Sisters Food Group to supply its stores with chicken. 

Ranjit Singh Boparan, of the 2 Sisters Food Group, previously warned the pingdemic was also 'masking' other issues, including Brexit-related problems and Covid-related supply, staffing and delivery woes as the Government exempted 10,000 critical workers from self-isolation if pinged. 

The news comes just days after KFC bosses issued a nationwide supply warning after blaming 'disruption' for causing a lack of availability for some of its menu items. 

Other retailers have also warned they are facing 'increased pressure' to keep supermarket shelves fully stocked during a national shortage of approximately 100,000 HGV drivers. 

One person shared a picture of an attempted order on Deliveroo being cancelled because the Bradford Leisure Exchange restaurant was not 'currently accepting orders'.   

Several other customers took to Twitter to complain of restaurant closures and menu changes, which were blamed on 'unforeseen circumstances'. 

@Anasophiamills wrote: 'Nando's is closed and I'm not ok.'    

The South American chicken chain opened its first UK restaurant in Ealing, London in 1992. 

Staffing issues have crippled a number of the UK's major hospitality businesses this summer, with many pointing to the impact of the 'pingdemic' and Brexit. 

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls previously commented: 'Hospitality is facing significant staffing challenges just as restrictions ease after 16 months, with as many as a fifth of staff in the sector isolating at any one time.

'We urge the Government to move faster on this issue to reduce business disruption and prevent the summer being cancelled for our sector.' 

Food supply chains have also been placed under intense stress because of a shortage of around 100,000 HGV drivers, with industry experts blaming the crisis on Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.

But Nando's wasn't the only major fast food chain to be affected by Covid-19 - with Kentucky Fried Chicken stores across the UK seeing reduced menus last week after 'operational issues'.

Bosses at the American fast food chain warned some of its menu items were 'unavailable' and that meals may come in packaging 'that is different to normal'. 

KFC chiefs blamed 'disruption over the last few weeks', but did not specify what the disruption was in a statement, released on KFC's UK Twitter page.  

 One person shared a picture of an attempted order on Deliveroo being cancelled because the Bradford Leisure Exchange restaurant was not 'currently accepting orders'

Disgruntled customers took to social media to bemoan their lack of chicken, as Nando's said the 'small number' of restaurants that remain closed are set to reopen once deliveries arrive either Tuesday or Wednesday

Several people took to Twitter to complain of restaurant closures, which were blamed on 'unforeseen circumstances'

The chicken chain has been telling customers on Twitter that its shortages have been caused by staff 'isolation periods' and suppliers 'struggling to keep up with demand'

Army on standby to stock Britain's shelves: Thousands of HGV drivers on five-day notice to deliver food and essentials to UK supermarkets due to shortage of 100,000 truckers

By Laurence Dollimore for MailOnline 

The Army is on standby to cope with Britain's food shortages caused by a lack of qualified truck drivers which has left many supermarket shelves bare in recent weeks.

Some 2,000 HGV drivers from the Royal Logistic Corps and other corps are reported to be on a five-day notice to help distribute food and other essential supplies, including medicine.

The Government is expected to make a formal request for assistance to the military 'imminently'.

It comes after the Road Haulage Association warned in late July that there was a shortage of 100,000 lorry drivers in the UK, which has been hampering deliveries of food from warehouses to supermarkets.

Thousands of prospective drivers are waiting for their HGV tests due to a backlog caused by lockdown, while many existing ones have left the UK after Brexit.

The problem has been exacerbated by Covid, with drivers having to go into self-isolation amid the so-called 'pingdemic'.

The military intervention will form part of Operation Rescript, an ongoing operation which was launched to tackle issues relating to the Covid pandemic.

It comes after the Government temporarily extended the maximum number of shift hours for drivers from nine to 10 last month, allowing them make longer journeys, however it was not enough.

James Bielby, head of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors , called for military intervention back in June.

He said: 'The situation has reached crisis point and it is likely to get worse as more hospitality venues open and demand increases.

'The Government needs to act very quickly.

'We are concerned enough to suggest that the Government considers having Army trucks on standby to ensure there are enough vehicles and drivers to distribute food.'

They also did not reveal the items most likely to become unavailable, nor when the supply issue is due to end. 

Famously, in 2018, KFC had to close 600 of its stores after running out of chicken.

And earlier this summer, McDonald's enthusiasts were left fuming over a national shortage of Chicken Selects after the fast-food chain admitted running out of the popular item. 

It comes after the Road Haulage Association warned that there was a shortage of 100,000 lorry drivers in the UK, which has been hampering deliveries of food from warehouses to supermarkets.

Last week, the Army was placed on standby to cope with Britain's food shortages caused by a lack of qualified truck drivers which has left many supermarket shelves bare in recent weeks.

Some 2,000 HGV drivers from the Royal Logistic Corps and other corps are reported to be on a five-day notice to help distribute food and other essential supplies, including medicine.

Thousands of prospective drivers are waiting for their HGV tests due to a backlog caused by lockdown, while many existing ones have left the UK after Brexit.

The problem has been exacerbated by Covid, with drivers having to go into self-isolation amid the so-called 'pingdemic'.

Industry leaders have been warning about driver shortages for months, branding it a 'crisis of national importance.'

Empty supermarket shelves have been pictured across the country in recent weeks.

Dairy giant Arla said in June: 'There is a real crunch this Summer because of Covid causing a backlog of new drivers passing their tests, changes to tax rules, some drivers from EU countries returning home, some others on furlough and other factors. 

'Like many others in the industry we are seeing costs go up and we're working hard to limit the effect this will have on prices.

'There has been a growing shortage of haulage drivers for many years. It is really important that we attract many new drivers into the sector.'

While the Government insisted there were 'no plans to use military personnel in this scenario', a source claims the MoD has been in talks with Defra over the crisis, telling the Sun on Sunday: 'HGV drivers in the Royal Logistic Corps have been told they are on five days' notice. The call is expected by the end of September.' 

Rod McKenzie, the RHA's managing director of policy and public affairs, said the lorry driver shortage was 'a very serious threat to the supply chain'.

He added: 'There is a critical shortage of lorry drivers and the Government are using short-term measures to address this.'

He branded the extending of shift hours a 'terrible move' and said it was not adopted by many firms as it was deemed dangerous - but does not think the Army is the answer either.

Empty supermarket shelves have been pictured across the country in recent weeks (pictured: Morrisons in Edinburgh)

Dairy giant Arla said in June: 'There is a real crunch this Summer because of Covid causing a backlog of new drivers passing their tests, changes to tax rules, some drivers from EU countries returning home, some others on furlough and other factors.' (Pictured: Empty shelves in Sainsbury's in Cambridgeshire) 

He said: 'The Government's next step is to bring in the Army. There are 2,000 qualified HGV drivers in the Army. We're 100,000 lorry drivers short.

'Another issue is Army drivers are used to driving Army lorries and not civilian vehicles.

'Once again, they are using a short-term fix. It is not a good idea. We need to address what to do to get another 100,000 drivers.'

Now BEER runs out: Pubs and breweries run dry as shortage of lorry drivers and 'pingdemic' exasperates supply chain - ahead of HGV strike set to cause MORE chaos

By James Gant for MailOnline 

Pubs are running dry as breweries struggle to supply them with beer due to a shortage of lorry drivers and the 'pingdemic'.

Campaigners warned bars owned by the larger chains are the worst affected due to them being tied to certain brands.

They are pleading with bosses to buy from suppliers in their surrounding area to boost the local economy and keep their businesses afloat.

The shortage has forced watering holes across the UK to turn numerous pumps and taps off and face the wrath of parched customers.

But in a further blow for punters, pubs could be set to dry up completely as drivers prepare to go on strike.

Draymen linked to the Unite union voted in favour of industrial action over their pay this summer.

Meanwhile a trade body warned some bars in Scotland are already nearly dry due to supply issues north of the border.

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association revealed last night that deliveries had been reduced or stopped since last week. 

The Fox and Hounds Pub in Clavering, Essex, said on Facebook yesterday it was struggling with the shortage and it had left customers rowdy

Regional Representatives Coordinator for The Campaign for Pubs Alastair Kerr said a mixed of driver and CO2 shortage as well as 'a bit of pingdemic' was hitting pubs.

He told MailOnline: 'The beer shortage that some pubs are facing in the UK at the moment is obviously a serious issue for the struggling publicans who after the past year are only just getting back to normality.

'This beer shortage is mainly affecting pubs that are owned by the big Pub Companies, which we hope that they will do everything in their power to help their tenants source alternative products, ideally from local breweries to keep their pubs going and open for business.

'The Campaign for Pubs is urging pubs, if possible to support their local breweries that this country can boast a huge amount of.

'The UK produces some of the finest real ale, lager & alcoholic products in the world and local producers need more support.

'We know it's affecting a few pubs, particularly in Scotland. The problem is pubs that are tied to a chain - if they don't have any supply then neither do the pubs.'

He noted how when Heineken had a shortage of beer earlier this year it affected affiliated pubs in Britain.

He added: 'Now it's a mixed of driver shortage, a shortage of CO2 and a bit of the pingdemic.'

Campaigners warned bars owned by the larger chains are the worst affected due to them being tied to certain brands (file photo)

Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association Emma McClarkin pointed firmly at the shortage of lorry drivers for the issues.

Ms McClarkin said: 'The HGV driver shortage is being felt by our sector like so many others.

'Brewers and their logistics partners are working round the clock doing all they can to ensure deliveries.

'We are grateful for Government engagement with this issue to date, however, more is needed as a matter of urgency to address the driver shortage in the immediate term.

'Adding HGV drivers to the shortage occupation list would do much to help stabilise the current situation.'

The Fox and Hounds Pub in Clavering, Essex, said on Facebook yesterday it was struggling with the shortage and it had left customers rowdy.

It said: 'As you may already be aware there is a well documented shortage of beer across the UK.

'As a venue we have been badly effected by this, with inconsistent beer deliveries for the past 8 weeks and no deliveries for the past 10 days.

'As a customer it is unlikely you would of noticed this due to our proactive management team hiring vehicles and completing 120 mile round trips acting as draymen to ensure the cellar is stocked, however unfortunately this Sunday we ran out of draft lager.  

'This has in-turn led to a very small minority of customers swearing and shouting at our hard working bar staff.

'This is not the behaviour we would expect from customers of a pub which is at the heart of the village community.

'Our staff have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic in often very challenging situations and would therefore ask that you understand this is something that is beyond our control.

'We understand this is only a very small minority and we thank the rest of our loyal and valuable customer base who have been understanding and patient throughout.'

The Rising Sun in Rochester, Kent, also admitted facing supply issues, writing: 'I just want to make all customers aware that the next few weeks the pub industry has been hit with many issues behind the scenes.

'We are currently having beer shortages on many of the items I sell, we have a barrel shortage, as well as the pingdemic affecting services throughout and now our delivery service are in an industrial dispute and about to strike which means many deliveries are affected and may not arrive on my normal date, if at all.

'So please be patient and understand this is out of my control and I will do my best to insure I have a fully stocked cellar when possible.'

The Rising Sun in Rochester, Kent , also admitted facing supply issues, writing: 'I just want to make all customers aware that the next few weeks the pub industry has been hit with many issues behind the scenes'

 

But a spokesman for Wetherspoon said he had seen no supply issues affecting their business.

The hospitality industry is braced for further problems in the coming weeks as delivery drivers prepare to go on strike.

Draymen linked to the Unite union voted in favour of industrial action over their pay this summer. Officials have warned it could mean pumps dry up.

The drivers, who transport drinks for brands such as Heineken, rejected a 'paltry' wage offer from GXO Logistics Drinks.

Union members convincingly backed a strike when they were told they could have a 1.4 per cent pay rise - when they want one closer to inflation rates.

GXO Logistics Drinks, which has 26 delivery sites across the UK, accounts for 40 per cent of all beer delivered in the country.

The firm said it is engaging in talks to try to avoid the industrial action after months of the business being shut down.

Workers plan to strike twice - at 10am on August 24 and the at the same time on September 2.

They have been told to refuse to work overtime and will 'work to rule' - meaning doing very little to impact on productivity - from August 24 to November 15.

Unite national officer for the drinks industry Joe Clarke said: 'The threat of a late summer beer drought now increases for Britain's thirsty beer drinkers as our members make 40 per cent of the beer deliveries in the country.'

A spokesman for GXO Logistics Drinks said: 'We favour dialogue in all our negotiations.

'Discussions are ongoing in order to reach agreement, in particular for the hospitality sector that is only now emerging from the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown.'

Last night the government announced it will recruit an extra 40 additional vocational driving examiners to help reduce the lorry driver shortage.

Last night the government announced it will recruit an extra 40 additional vocational driving examiners to help reduce the lorry driver shortage (file photo)

The government wrote to the UK haulage industry on 20 July 2021 outlining a package of measures to help address the lorry driver shortage.

It acknowledged that increasing the availability of vocational driving tests is key to this issue.

DVSA continues to develop measures to maximise testing capacity, including consulting on plans to streamline the process for drivers to gain their heavy goods vehicle licence. The additional examiners will enable DVSA to offer more lorry driving test appointments.

It has already increased the number of vocational driving tests from 2,000 a week pre-pandemic to 3,000 by overtime and allocating additional employees into testing. 

DVSA Chief Executive Loveday Ryder said: 'We recognise the haulage industry keeps the wheels of our economy turning and have listened to its concerns about the current lorry driver shortage.

'We have responded by doing all we can to support the industry in tackling this issue through increasing lorry driver testing.

'This includes our latest campaign to recruit more vocational examiners so we can maximise our lorry testing capacity.'

Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: 'Our HGV drivers provide a vital service delivering food, medicine and other vital goods to where they're needed.

'That's why we're committed to working with industry to address the shortage of drivers and have unveiled a package of robust measures.

'Increasing the DVSA's testing capacity is a crucial part of this plan, and I'd encourage anyone with the right experience to apply for a role – helping keep our country moving.'

Meanwhile Scotland's pubs are just days away from running out of beer due to problems with suppliers.

Hospitality venues and industry leaders voiced concern as suppliers struggle to meet demands.

Belhaven and Heineken cut back or cancelled deliveries, causing chaos in pubs, with grave concerns that distribution issues could cause some outlets to go bankrupt.

A spokesman for Greene King, which owns pubs across Scotland, said: 'The issue of labour shortages is widespread and having an impact on the whole industry. We are working closely with our distribution partners to find a resolution.'

Without being able to keep up with demand from punters, and struggling to find alternative solutions, some publicans now fear the crisis could lead to closures.

Many in the industry are still struggling to recover from 18 months of lockdown restrictions.

Colin Wilkinson, managing director of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said: 'There definitely will be some pubs which are running out. Getting supplies has been an absolute nightmare.

'This is the first weekend after the restrictions eased on August 9, and we were hoping for some sort of normality in our industry, but this is another hurdle on our road to recovery. One pub told me they were getting just one keg of Belhaven Best.'

Some brewers and suppliers said a lack of drivers and warehouse staff has left them struggling to fulfil deliveries.

Brewer Belhaven, which is based in Dunbar, East Lothian, said it has had issues getting the gas it needs to make its products.

Gavin Stevenson, owner of the Mor-Rioghain Group which owns Gellions and Monty's in Inverness and the Mains of Scotstown in Aberdeen, had a major order cancelled.

He said: 'I got a call from Heineken on Thursday at 4pm saying there would be zero deliveries on Friday, and they weren't able to reschedule.

'That's just one brewer, but the supply chains across Scotland are absolutely crumbling. It will mean that there are products out of stock this weekend.'

He said staff travelled more than 100 miles in vans to pick up stock for his pubs, but others might not be so lucky.

Mr Stevenson added: 'These are businesses which are on the brink and have been shut for most of the summer season.

'I'm aware of dozens of sites which are not getting their deliveries, but there are hundreds more who are getting short deliveries.

'This problem is at an absolutely critical time for the hospitality industry as we've been heavily restricted operationally for 18 months.

'The first two weeks back that we actually have a chance of breaking even or making a profit or repaying some of the debt we've incurred, the brewery are not doing what they need to do to ensure the survival of the sector. It's frankly disgraceful.

'A pub without beer is like a petrol station without petrol.

'There are businesses which will go bankrupt this week and next because of this distribution chaos.'

KFC warns 'some menu items will be unavailable' and meals may come in 'packaging that is different to normal' due to 'disruption over the last few weeks' 

By James Robinson for MailOnline 

KFC chiefs have issued a supply warning, admitting customers may not be able to get hold of their favourite finger-lickin' meals.

Bosses at the fast food chain warned that some of its menu items will 'be unavailable'.

They also warned that some meals may come in packaging 'that is different to normal'.

Bosses of the chain, famous world-wide for its southern-fried chicken, have blamed 'disruption over the last few weeks'.  

However, they did not specify what the disruption was in a statement, released on KFC's UK Twitter page. 

They also did not reveal the items most likely to become unavailable, nor when the supply issue is due to end.

One staff member at KFC suggested to MailOnline that the issue was related to Brexit. MailOnline has contacted KFC for clarification. 

KFC's message, posted last night, said: 'The Colonel has just emerged from a long day at the fryers and wanted to share the following message.

'Just a heads up that across our country, there's been some disruption over the last few weeks - so things may be a little different when you next visit us. 

KFC  (pictured: Library image of A KFC store) chiefs have today issued a supplies warning, admitting customers may not be able to get hold of their favourite finger-licking meals 

Bosses of the chain, famous worldwide for its deep-fried chicken, have blamed 'disruption over the last few weeks'. But they did not specify what the disruption was in their statement , released to followers on its UK Twitter page

'You might find some items aren't available or our packaging might look a little different to normal. We know it's not ideal, but we're working hard to keep things running smoothly. 

'In the meantime, please be patient with our incredible teams… they're doing a brilliant job despite the disruption. We can't wait to see you soon for your next fried chicken fix.'

In a later statement, to MailOnline: A KFC spokesperson: 'As with so many other businesses across the country, recent disruption has meant some of our restaurants are facing a few shortages. 

'Despite that, we're still open and serving our iconic fried chicken – all thanks to our incredible team members. They're doing a brilliant job keeping the fryers going, so please be kind to them.

'Our restaurants serve fresh, natural, quality chicken. If the recent disruption means that's not delivered, some of our restaurants may need to make temporary changes to their menu. 

'The eagle-eyed among you may also notice some of our packaging could look a little different too, but crucially, it'll still be full of incredible chicken.'

It is not the first time that the American chain, which has more than 900 chains and employs 24,000 people across the UK, has suffered from supply issues.

Famously, in 2018, KFC had to close 600 of its stores after running out of chicken.