Popular fried chicken chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) was reportedly forced to shut more than half of its 900 UK outlets after facing delivery problems stating shortage of chicken supply.
The company last week switched its delivery contract to DHL, which blamed "operational issues" for the supply disruption.
Asked, a KFC spokesperson said that it was unclear when the delivery problems would be rectified.
He also said that the workers were being encouraged to take holiday, but would not be forced to do so.
"Our teams are working flat out all hours to get the rest back up and running as soon as possible - but it's too early to say how long it will take to clear the backlog."
To address the issue, KFC has set up a web page where "fans" can find their nearest outlet that is still open.
The company said staff in the restaurants, owned by the chain, on short-term contracts would be paid the average hours worked per day over the past 12 weeks while those on salaries would be paid as normal.
BBC reports that 80 per cent of KFC outlets are run on a franchise basis.
A KFC source said, "Franchisees will be seeking their own independent advice, but we're encouraging them to adopt this policy too."
