PRICES in shops look set to rise according to new statistics reveal from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) which warned of further disruption in the coming months.
Analysis by the BRC showed that there was a slight rise in prices in August on the previous month with indications that these rises are beginning to filter into product prices.
Some of the non-food categories, such as electricals, saw sharp rises in inflation compared to last year, owing to global issues from delayed shipping and shortages of microchips.
The BRC’s chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “Food retailers are fighting to keep their prices down as far as possible. But mounting pressures – from rising commodity and shipping costs as well as Brexit-related red tape, mean this will not be sustainable for much longer, and food price rises are likely in the coming months."
READ MORE: 'Breaking point': Scotland Food and Drink chief blasts UK Government over Brexit
Dickinson highlighted that the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver shortage has created an additional threat to low prices.
She added that “in the run-up to Christmas the situation could get worse, and customers may see reduced choice and increased prices for their favourite products and presents”.
She called on the UK Government to act "swiftly and rapidly" to increase the number of HGV drivers through increasing tests taking place, changing how training is funded and providing temporary visas for EU drivers.
She added: "Without government action, it will be the British consumers who will pay the price.”
The SNP’s consumer affairs spokesperson Patricia Gibson MP (below) said: “With each day that passes the damaging and costly impact of the Tory government’s Brexit obsession continues to hit.
READ MORE: Wetherspoons faces beer shortages as Brexit impacts on supply chains
“Figures revealing rising shop prices coupled with the grim warning that the coming months are likely to see further disruption, reduced choices, and an increase in food prices, fully vindicate the years of warnings that Brexit would do enormous damage to businesses, households and the economy.
"Brexit has been nothing short of an unmitigated disaster – with recent reports also highlighting post-Brexit supply chain issues leading to food shortages and Scotland's vital food and drinks industry under severe pressure.
"This act of economic vandalism has been imposed upon Scotland against our will by a Tory government we did not vote for.
“It’s clear that Scotland is increasingly vulnerable under Westminster control and that the only way to keep Scotland safe from the long-term damage of Brexit is to become an independent country."
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