MID North Coast shoppers are noticing gaps on shelf and substitutions in their online orders as supermarkets experience staff shortages.
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A 20 per cent increase in staff absences in supermarket distribution centres and a 10 per cent increase in store absences is causing supply issues, according to Woolworths Group chief executive Brad Banducci.
"A number of people in our supply chain are in isolation and NSW is currently the most affected, although we are seeing impacts across the whole country," he said.
"Together with our suppliers and supply chain partners we're working hard to get all products back on shelf as quickly as we can.
"If you're shopping online as a temporary measure we are automatically activating substitutions on all orders. We know this isn't ideal, but it does mean there's less chance of missing out on something you really need.
"As we transition to living with COVID in 2022, we'll need to keep learning and adapting."
Butcher Chris Taplin, from Kempsey Farmers Market, said stores using local suppliers have avoided some of the stress faced by bigger supermarkets.
"Most of the time we do get a shortage of meats each year around this time because abbiotairs tend to close over christmas for maintenance," he said.
"Although accessing fruit and veggies hasn't been too bad because we get them through local suppliers. Prices will vary between different stock.
"Obviously that's a bit harder for big industry supermarkets but that might mean it will help us little fellas out and we can grab some of the glory.
"Our staff haven't been impacted too badly yet (by absences) and I know the market is trying to keep everyone employed so that we don't lose any workers before things pick up again."
Kenny Little, from Ken Little's Quality Fruit & Veg in Port Macquarie, said larger stores are suffering a staff shortage.
"We haven't had any problems getting produce and have more produce than you can shake a stick at," he said.
"The supermarkets are having supply problems because they come out of a warehouse and they've lost a lot of packing staff, they're short staffed.
"We're doing online orders and they are well above average. It's been pretty hectic and we are doing about 60 home deliveries a day."