Production at Nissan’s UK car plant suspended for April over coronavirus

Production at Nissan’s UK factory, the country’s biggest auto plant, is suspended throughout April, maintaining a shutdown in place since mid-March as the coronavirus pandemic spreads across Europe.

“During this period, most of the plant employees will be furloughed,” the company stated, referring to a government scheme covering 80% of wage costs for staff placed on temporary leave, up to 2,500 pounds ($3,100) a month per worker.

Nissan’s sites located in Spain are also suspended until the next notice, the Japanese automaker said.

“Our goal is to navigate through this crisis while maintaining activities critical for business continuity and to make sure we are ready for the time when business resumes in Europe.”

About 38,168 people in the UK have been confirmed as being infected with the coronavirus. The virus has killed 3,605 people in the country.