Shortages of food items and staff hitting Britain 'threaten to stifle the recovery'

Reports of shortages in the UK had broadened as the week went on beyond the Covid-hit areas of hospitality and construction

Capital Economics said the list of anecdotal reports of labour and product shortages has grown ever longer in the past week and now includes various items at Greggs. Picture: Danny Lawson/PA

Strains in the British economy that have led to shortages of McDonald's milkshakes to food items at retailer Greggs may likely get worse and could weigh on the economic recovery in the UK, a leading economics consultancy has said. 

Capital Economics said that reports of shortages had broadened as the week went on beyond the Covid-hit areas of hospitality and construction.