Rolls-Royce is to shut down its UK civil aerospace operations for a week, from 27 March, as part of its response to the coronavirus crisis.
The manufacturer says it will “significantly reduce” all but essential activity within its civil aerospace facilities. Workers will continue to be paid, it stresses.
Defence facilities will stay operational because the company is a designated key supplier to the military.
Rolls-Royce points out that it has been prioritising the health of its employees and implementing government guidelines while previously continuing to maintain operations at its manufacturing sites.
“This move will enable us to confirm the effectiveness of the measures taken to date,” it says.
Rolls-Royce adds that it will look to enhance its processes in order to sustain “modified operations and activities” over a longer period.
Reduction in activity will enable it to concentrate on supporting customers and essential services, such as air freight. It adds that the company will continue to maintain “critical capability” that will enable airlines to continue operating.
