Ikea latest firm to suffer shortages and delays due to clogged UK ports

Swedish chain says it is struggling to meet demand and apologises to customers

Ikea has become the latest victim of the UK's gridlocked ports, with the retailer blaming delayed orders and stock shortages on the congestion, which is now also derailing food imports.

The Swedish chain said it was experiencing operational challenges" as shipments of its flatpack furniture are held up at clogged ports. The hold-ups came as Ikea struggled to meet increased demand for home furnishings, which has soared this year as Britons have switched to homeworking.