Nissan presses on with plans to restart work at Sunderland plant in coming weeks

The majority of workers employed by the car giant remain furloughed following an extension to an initial decision to put the staff on the Government payment scheme, with a halt put on production at the site on Tuesday, March 17.

On Sunday, May 10, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people should return to work if they could do so safely as he issued an update on the coronavirus lockdown, with construction and manufacturing mentioned during his speech.

Nissan has said there is no change to the plan it confirmed at the end of last month, which set out how it looks to get part of its production line up and running again.

A spokesperson said: “We are currently planning a phased resumption of production in early June.

"During this period the majority of plant employees will remain furloughed, and we are grateful for the Government support that has enabled us to take this action.”

They added the firm’s aim was to steer the business through the crisis, while maintaining activities “critical for business continuity” and to make sure it was “prepared for the time when business resumes in Europe and we can welcome the Nissan team back to work.”

Last month, a number of workers – 50 at that stage – returned to its powertrain line, which makes engines.

This was part of a phased effort and pilot scheme ahead of production resuming at the site, with the work being carried out in line with public health advice.

It said it would be speaking to the team for feedback as it worked on plans, with plans to use the project to help draw up protocols for the rest of the factory in weeks ahead.

At that stage, it said vehicle production remained suspended at the plant at least until the end of April.

In Sunday night's speech, Mr Johnson said anyone who cannot work from home, perhaps those in construction and manufacturing "should be actively encouraged to go to work" from today, Monday, May 11.

The Government said it would set out how workplaces can become "COVID-secure" with guidance for employers.

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