VAUXHALL'S Ellesmere Port plant remains closed – but its owners are putting measures in place across its European sites for a "gradual and safe" return to work

The North Road factory, which employs more than 1,000 people, was temporarily shut on March 17 due to the coronavirus crisis.

Owners Group PSA said the closures across its European sites would be in place until at least March 27, and has now announced that a timetable will be drawn up to restart operations.

No date has been given for the reopening of the Ellesmere Port plant.

In a statement Group PSA said: "While Groupe PSA had announced the suspension of its industrial activities until March 27, 2020, a timetable for a gradual and safe resumption will be established within the framework of social dialogue, taking into account the context of the health crisis and the results of the audits of implementation of reinforced health measures adapted to each site.

"On the basis of the 'prepare, test, resume' principle, new dates will be set for European mechanical factories and assembly sites, which will also integrate the ability of suppliers to support these restarts."

Carlos Tavares, Chairman of Groupe PSA’s Managing Board, said: "We will not compromise on the health of our employees so that the industrial restart necessary for the sustainability of the company can be carried out under optimal conditions.

"I have every confidence in the ability of the employees of Groupe PSA to help get out of this crisis without fatality. Our fighting spirit and our collective mental strength are as many assets that we put at the service of our fellow citizens."