Woolworths reveals impact of Covid and lockdowns on products and staff

The supermarket giant has revealed that lockdown and health orders are putting a strain on distribution of stock.

Gaps on Woolworths’ shelves and in online orders can’t be blamed on “the toilet paper wars” this time, but due to hundreds of staff having to self isolate, the supermarket giant’s CEO has revealed.

Brad Banducci, CEO of Woolworths said in an email to customers that they may have noticed some products missing on shelves or substitutions in online orders.

“Unlike 18 months ago, this is less to do with surges in customer demand (aka “the toilet paper wars”) and more because of the extra pressure on our Distribution Centres, with over 500 of those team members needing to self-isolate as close or casual contacts,” he explained. “The good news is that these team members, having tested negative, are starting to be cleared to come back to work.”

He said Woolworths staff are “feeling the impacts of Delta very directly”, with more than 3300 team members currently in isolation on the advice of local health authorities.

The toilet paper wars are not to blame for product shortages this time. Picture: Ryan Young

For those shopping online in NSW and the ACT, Woolworths is currently allowing automatic substitutions on all orders given the demand pressure, Mr Banducci added.

“We know this isn’t ideal, but it does mean there’s less chance of missing out on an essential item. We’ll revert to your preference as soon as we possibly can,” he said.

It comes amid unprecedented demand for online shopping, with more than 330,000 people choosing to shop with Woolworths online for the first time since July.

The supermarket giant said it is working to add more online windows in NSW in particular.

Mr Banducci said they are also prioritising close to one million online customers registered for priority assistance, who are either in mandatory isolation or considered vulnerable.

Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci said more than 3300 staff are isolating. Picture: John Feder/The Australian.

He also revealed that more than 3000 jabs had been given at their on-site Distribution Centre clinics in NSW and VIC.

The CEO said he had been reading a lot of customer feedback and the sense of frustration due to Delta is palpable.

“Our slow cooking and scratch baking adventures from last year have turned into meal shortcuts, and we’re seeing growth in chilled and frozen food categories that make life a little easier,” he said.

Originally published as Woolworths reveals impact of Covid and lockdowns on products and staff