Many pubs in the UK, including JD Wetherspoons, have reported beer shortages due to the ongoing supply chain issues.

Brewers are reporting that, like many of the industry, they are experienced severe shortages in HGV drivers.

The crisis has emerged as a combined result of the ‘pingdemic’ limiting numbers of available lorry drivers, a much smaller pool of Eastern European workers due to Brexit, and proposed strike action from draymen responsible for around 40% of beer deliveries to British pubs. 

Despite the industrial action being resolved, pubs across the country are low on stock, and pubs owned by the larger chains are the worst affected due to their reliance on imported beers.

The British Beer & Pub Association is calling for immigration rules to be changed to allow EU drivers to return.But the government has consistently said that the haulage industry and retailers need to be training new UK drivers.

These logistical problems have led to empty shelves at some supermarkets, while the retail industry has flagged concerns about Christmas supplies.

There are also shortages of Diet Coke in some supermarkets due to the lack of HGV drivers, as well as problems sourcing aluminium cans, according to Coca Cola Europacific Partners.