Supply chain disruption forces Nando’s to shut 40 UK outlets

Fast-food chain Nando’s has been forced to temporarily close more than 40 outlets in Britain, around 10 per cent of its restaurants, after staff shortages hit its chicken supply chain in the latest blow to the country’s hospitality sector.

Retailers, restaurants, cafes and bars have struggled to recruit enough staff in Britain since the economy emerged from Covid lockdowns earlier this year, after workers left the sector and in some cases, the country, after Brexit.

Further restrictions forcing people to isolate if they come into contact with someone carrying the coronavirus has further disrupted supply chains, leaving some shelves empty in supermarkets and some restaurants closing for lunch.

In response to customers asking why their local Nando’s was closed, or the menu limited, the South African chain said on Twitter that “the UK supply chain is having a bit of a (night)mare right now.

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

Trade group UK Hospitality said in July that problems with supply chains were widespread, with around 60 per cent telling an industry survey they were seeing delays in deliveries, not receiving products or facing major price inflation.

The Nando’s news comes a week after rival fast-food group KFC said it was struggling to stock some items or use its normal packaging due to disruption in recent weeks.

The Guardian reported that Nando’s had seconded 70 staff to suppliers, echoing moves by the online supermarket Ocado which said in July its staff had been working to help its suppliers.