McDonald's branch: No milkshakes for the UK
Photo: KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP
The aftermath of Brexit is causing acute bottlenecks in unusual places: British McDonalds branches are currently complaining about a shortage of truck drivers transporting milkshakes.
"Like many retailers, we are currently experiencing delivery problems that affect the availability of individual products," said a company spokeswoman.
That is why the drinks are "currently not available in England, Scotland and Wales."
According to the BBC, around 1250 UK branches are affected by the delivery stops.
The reason for the bottlenecks is a significant shortage of truck drivers who transport goods from A to B.
A number of industries are affected, and there are also gaps on the shelves in many supermarkets.
Last week, the Nando's chicken chain temporarily closed around 50 branches because not enough poultry could be delivered.
The fast food chain KFC also announced that some menus are currently out of stock due to problems in the supply chain.
Brexit evicted drivers from the UK
The deficit, which the industry association Road Haulage Association estimates at around 100,000 missing truck drivers, also has to do with the fact that many drivers from Europe left the country after Brexit.
Complicated and expensive visa procedures are now necessary, which is why hardly any new employees are added.
In addition, thousands of drivers retire every month and there are not enough offspring.
Tens of thousands of driving tests have been canceled due to the pandemic.
The industry is therefore calling for non-bureaucratic visas for European drivers and better subsidies for driving tests.
To alleviate the problems, the UK government has temporarily eased working time restrictions for drivers.
The remaining truck drivers now have to spend more time on the road.
rai / dpa / AP