its been a problem since the 1st lockdown.
I'm a trade painter & its caused a lot of hassle.
the raw materials come from europe, people that work at the manufacturers are being sent home due to test failures, some paint factories were closed down for weeks.
the cherry on the top was high demand from the public doing DIY as theyre off work.
Its the same with general materials(timber, plaster etc)
I know it sounds a bit daft, but the canal cock up a while back had big knock on effects.
Also people are not spending on holidays abroad, so those with the disposable income are doing work to homes.

Kids,tired of being bothered by your pesky parents?
Then leave home, get a job & pay your own bills, while you still know everything.

It does seem to be a real problem. There's a house being built close to me and it's delayed because the builder is waiting for some 'special' bricks.

On the other hand, I have a small re-pointing job needs doing and no-one wants to do it. I keep being told they're all too busy. Bloomin' hard work just finding a decent builder to do a small job.

Dad and I watched games standing on the muddy slope of the Holmesdale Road end. He cheered and I rattled.