Nissan puts hundreds of factory staff back on furlough after surge in Covid-19 cases
Nissan has furloughed hundreds of workers from its Sunderland plant after Covid-19 cases and self-isolating staff meant it had to stop most late-shift production.
There were close to 50 positive cases among factory staff, out of around 6,000 total employee, all working across the plant in different areas rather than in a mass outbreak.
As a consequence of current guidelines, hundreds more colleagues working near those who tested positive have had to self-isolate, causing staffing problems for the car maker.
Nissan was forced to halt most late-shift work and transferred some of those staff on to day-time shifts to ensure it has enough personnel.
Many colleagues of those who are off sick or self-isolating have been furloughed if their part of the factory line has not got enough staff to function.
When the first lockdown happened in March 2020 almost all Sunderland carmakers were furloughed for weeks while safe processes were set up.
A Nissan spokesman said: “Production in certain areas of the plant has been adjusted as we manage a number of staff being required to self-isolate following close contact with Covid-19.
“The wellbeing of our team is our number one priority and we remain confident in the rigorous safety controls we have on site.”