The UK's supply chain crisis showed no sign of slowing today as shop shelves lay empty - with wine, Christmas foods and toys particularly hard hit.
A huge 100,000-driver shortage in the HGV industry is continuing to push the delivery problems to breaking point ahead of the winter.
And technology and manufacturing business is also on a precipice, due to the global shortage of components and chips.
Commentators have described the potential crisis as a perfect storm - with the driver shortages, gas prices and tech restraints all falling into the mix.
But the sharp edge of problem is most keenly felt by shoppers simply trying to buy enough for their families.
Bare shelves spelled out the reality of the supply chain as wine was missing from a popular supermarket chain
There appeared to have been little effort in this Tesco to try and disguise the low level of stock in some of the drinks
Toys were also hit hard instore as popular Lego sets were out of stock leaving bare shelves behind for customers to see
Tesco in Cambridgeshire yesterday provided a perfect snapshot of supermarkets continuing to struggle with supply issues.
The toy and Christmas aisles also looked bare at the branch as shoppers are urged to prepare early for this year’s festivities.
There were lots of gaps on the toy shelves and Christmas cakes and puddings were in short supply.
Big brand toys, such as Barbie and Paw Patrol, are expected to be tough to get hold of this year and people are being urged to stock up in advance of the festive season.
And just last week a report into the construction industry disclosed shortages and rising costs for building works.
Duncan Brock, director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, which compiled the report with Markit, said: 'Construction activity suffered another setback in September, as builders were hammered by staff and material shortages, delivery delays and higher business costs as this phase of the post-pandemic recovery became the shakiest for eight months.'
There is currently an estimated shortfall of 100,000 drivers, which means there are not enough deliveries staff to meet demand.
The government is considering keeping army personnel to drive HGV lorries until Christmas.
A view of stacked shipping containers at Southampton docks, Southampton, this morning as the supply crisis continues
There is currently an estimated shortfall of 100,000 drivers, which means there are not enough staff to meet demand
With Christmas around the corner mothers and fathers could be forgiven for being concerned about low stock levels
There were plenty of tens of Quality Street available to buy, meaning at least one Christmas favourite will be available
The delicious flavours of the Christmas Pudding could be denied to some this year as supplies are already thin on the ground
