A BOLTON fashion boss has expressed worries over haulier services as the UK faces shortages in supply chains.

Staff shortages, caused by huge numbers of healthy workers self-isolating after being pinged by NHS Test and Trace, has put a strain on supply chains and supermarkets.

Exacerbating supply issues for supermarkets is a shortage of haulage drivers in the UK.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) believes there is a shortfall of about 60,000 drivers after around 30,000 HGV driving tests did not take place last year due to the pandemic.

And Asad Shamim, founder and CEO of Furniture in Fashion, a multi-million pound online retailer based in Farnworth, has expressed concerns over the ongoing issue.

He said: “It is horrific for businesses right now. One issue we are being affected by specifically is increased container prices.

"They have gone from £2,500 to £17,000. The costs have to be passed onto the consumer.

“We are being bombarded with extortionate prices - not just from China but costs in the UK too.”

Like other firms, Asad also took aim at the Track and Trace ‘pinging’, which has left many people to self-isolate.

He said: “We have the government’s track and trace app system, which has meant people are having to self-isolate, with lots of lorry drivers off because of it.

“The government needs to take action or things will continue to get worse, meaning higher costs and lower wages for workers.”