// Rishi Sunak says he is ‘confident’ gifts will arrive in time for Christmas as retailers commence ‘mega sales’
// The Chancellor blamed global factors for the supply chain chaos threatening Christmas this year
Rishi Sunak has said he remains “confident” that Christmas presents will arrive in stores on time despite the escalating supply chain crisis.
The Chancellor attributed global factors for the chaos while admitting that the government “can’t fix every single problem”.
However he did say that ministers are doing “absolutely everything” they can to solve issues at British ports and in shops as Christmas nears.
It comes as supermarkets and retailers are believed to be planning to bring forward festive sales by up to a month to prevent empty shelves in December.
Industry bosses said promotions will be triggered early to avoid a late rush after holding talks with the government.
Families have already been warned to start shopping now amid fears supplies of toys, electrical goods and other products will be disrupted by logjams at UK ports.
Retail leaders said the shortage of HGV drivers to carry loads from docks around the coast is threatening festivities and the wider economy.
Mr Sunak set out to reassure the country Christmas will not be cancelled this year amid the ongoing crisis.
Retail bosses said it was “prudent” to extend discounts for shoppers to mitigate the HGV driver shortage and port chaos.
Newly-appointed supply chain Sir Dave Lewis held a conference call with retails chiefs yesterday, and one is believed to have claimed the officials asked companies to start festive deals early – however this was shot down by government insiders.
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