Shoppers warned of ‘substantial' shortages of staple summer drink on supermarket shelves from today
SHOPPERS have been warned there will be "substantial" shortages of a classic summer drink from TODAY.
Brits were devastated to learn they could find empty wine shelves in supermarkets up and down the country.
1
Bottles have disappeared rapidly after a popular wine supplier announced its workers are going on strike.
Staff at Encirc, a Bristol based warehouse that holds 18 of the most drank wine brands in the UK, kicked off the 16-day walk out today.
Around 2000 employees at the site, in Avonmouth, revealed they will carry out the industrial action from June 19 to July 5.
Unit members are going on strike over a pay dispute, as reported by the Express, after already being offered a 3.2 per cent wage increase.
A union spokesperson claimed workers are not paid properly despite the "very profitable company" Encirc turning over £600million.
It will see key figures in bottling, packaging and distribution, walk out on different dates - as well as a 12 week overtime ban.
Experts have claimed the strike could see a "significant" shortage of wines at UK supermarkets.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Encirc's meanness to its workers is all about greed and not need.
"This is a very lucrative company that can fully afford to pay its workers properly but it is choosing not to.
"Unite will not stand idly by and allow Encric to steal our members hard won rights.
Five Lidl rosés you need this summer, according to a wine expert - a £6.99 buy is as light & crispy as £22 Whispering Angel
"Encirc workers deserve better and they have Unite's full support throughout this dispute."
Unite regional officer John Sweeney added: "There is no doubt that this action will hit supermarket shelves.
"While shortages may be frustrating for customers looking to enjoy a bottle of wine this summer, the situation is entirely of Encirc's own making.
"Management has constantly refused to engage meaningfully. Encirc needs to return to the negotiating table with a vastly improved offer."
Encirc said it is 'open to dialogue with the union in good faith.'
This comes as beer fans are going bananas over this summer beverage accessory that has been branded a "great product."
The product is currently on sale for nearly half the price and can arrive at your home in time for the weekend.
And, Sun reporter Helen Nicklin has tested a range of supermarket summer cocktails in a can.
The winner was a Pimm's mix - which was £10 cheaper than the new Aperol Spritz.
Shoppers can now pick up the 200ml bottles in packs of four at specific supermarkets – taking all the hassle out of cocktail making.
And it is not the only big-name tipple that has been canned for your convenience.
Here, drinks expert Helena sips and scores a selection of pre-mixed cocktails.
Plus, Morrisons shoppers have raised a glass this week as the industry giant rolls out brand-new cocktails for just £1.50 per drink – and they're perfect for summer BBQs.
The budget-friendly booze is part of an exclusive tie-up with premium cocktail brand The Drinks Bureau, bringing a taste of the bar straight to your garden party.
Available now in over 280 Morrisons stores across the UK, the 1.5-litre cocktail boxes are priced at £15 each – or just £12 with a More Card.
That works out at as little as £1.20 per serving, offering premium drinks at pocket-friendly prices.
Each box contains ten ready-to-drink servings and includes a tap-style spout for easy pouring, making it an ideal option for hassle-free entertaining.
It's also the first time shoppers can get premium 'on tap' cocktails from a UK supermarket – a format that's proven popular in bars and pubs.
How to save money buying alcohol
Alcohol can be pricey if you're planning a party or hosting an event but there are ways to cut costs.
It's always important to drink responsibly, here, Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements share some tips on getting booze for the best price.
Stocking up can mean big savings on drinks, especially if you want to buy wine or fizz.
The big supermarkets regularly offer discounts of 25% when you buy six or more bottles of wine. The promotions typically run in the lead up to occasions such as Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter.
If you know you are going to need booze later in the year, it can be worth acting when you see offers.
Before buying your preferred drink make sure you shop around to find the best price – you can use a comparison site such as pricerunner.com or trolley.co.uk.
Don't forget that loyalty cards can unlock better savings so make sure you factor that in too.
If you like your plonk, wine clubs can also be a good way to save money and try new varieties. You'll usually have to pay a membership fee in return for cheaper price so work out if you will be buying enough to make the one off cost worthwhile.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
24 minutes ago
- BBC News
Lydney residents and businesses to celebrate reopening of bridge
Residents are holding a celebration for the reopening of a bridge, almost eight months on from when it was damaged by flooding and a bridge on Newerne Street, Lydney, closed in November after Storm Bert swept floodwater through the Gloucestershire town. In December, a car hit the bridge, causing further was partly reopened in January but fully reopened on Friday after weeks of repair work, with the community planning a celebratory fun day on Harris, from Gloucestershire County Council, thanked residents for their patience. Grace Williams from Knockley Pet Foods, which overlooks the bridge, said Saturday morning's festivities were being held to thank those who supported the business."Our customers are amazing and they did continue to support us, we know it was really difficult to get to us," she said."A lot of the other businesses weren't so lucky... town itself has been really quiet."We're definitely relieved that it's open, it's going to be a lot easier." Kirsty Scott, who owns refill shop Forest Friendly on Newerne Street, said the bridge opening was "perfect timing" for the summer holidays and tourist season."Business owners are [relieved], definitely, and I think people who own hot cars in this hot weather are too," she said."It's been eventful and I've seen a lot of traffic sitting outside. It seems quieter today because it's flowing in both directions." Joe Harris said "final work" to the bridge wall would be completed off-road, without causing traffic disruption."I do appreciate the impact of the closure on local residents and businesses and thank you again for your patience while we completed the essential repairs," he said."Thanks also to the team who tackled this challenging job which included diving below the bridge to check for structural damage."
Reuters
25 minutes ago
- Reuters
Exclusive: Metro's biggest shareholder open to selling stake, sources say
LONDON, June 20 (Reuters) - Colombian billionaire Jaime Gilinski Bacal is open to selling his majority stake in British lender Metro Bank and has received interest from investors, two people with knowledge of the matter said. Gilinski, who sits on Metro's board as a non-executive director and who owns a 52.87% stake via his Spaldy Investments vehicle, has been considering options for his stake including a sale, after a rebound in the bank's share price, the people said. He became the majority shareholder after playing a critical role in its 325 million pound ($436 million) equity recapitalisation in 2023.
The Sun
30 minutes ago
- The Sun
EV drivers can get 5,000 miles of FREE charging this summer – and you can apply now
THE UK's biggest energy supplier is launching its first electric vehicle home charger and you can get your hands on it for free. Octopus Energy has designed and built its own EV charger which will provide charging for as little as 2p per mile and new users will get heaps of free charging. 2 Named Octopus Charge and launching in August, new customers who sign up will get a 5,000 free miles bonus. The offer is only available to the first 100 people, so EV drivers will have to be quick to snap up the offer. Combined with Octopus' Drive Pack tariff, customers can get unlimited charging for just £30 a month. The saving don't just end there, because those with Octopus solar panels can power their EVs with any surplus solar electricity. The new EV charger has built-in 4G and a uniquely designed charging cable holster so it can fit snugly in tight spaces. 'Charging at home is already better than queueing up at the petrol station – and now we've made it even simpler," said Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, chief product officer at Octopus Energy. 'Octopus Energy was the first energy company to launch a smart tariff, an EV tariff, an export tariff, and our very own heat pump." She added: "We're delighted to add Octopus Charge to our stable, initially designed to work seamlessly with Intelligent Octopus Go, and with other features to follow shortly.' Octopus Charge will first be exclusively available for customers of Octopus' EV leasing business, Octopus Electric Vehicles, before being launched to all Octopus Energy customers in August. Those interested can register their interest at the Octopus Energy website. New Nissan Leaf tested - it's bigger, better and goes further It's been a big week of announcements from Octopus Energy, who only days ago said it was bringing back its popular Saving Sessions for households. The scheme is a way for customers to earn rewards by reducing their electricity consumption during specific times when the national grid is under pressure. Over the summer, households have a chance to use their washing machine and charge their devices for free if they shift their usage from peak times. Octopus said the free electricity will be available during one-hour slots that will usually be held in the early afternoon. To be eligible for the scheme, you must be an Octoplus member, which is a free rewards program for the smart meter customers. 2
