Rolls-Royce has announced it is cutting all but essential activity at its UK aerospace sites, including its Bristol facility.
The company, which opened a huge new centre in Bristol that makes jet engines in January, says it will reduce production for one week from midnight tonight (March 27).
Rolls-Royce says it has been implementing government guidelines at its sites - in particular, those relating to social distancing - adding the move would allow the business to "confirm the effectiveness" of the measures it has taken and "enhance" processes over a longer period.
All of the firm's staff will continue to be paid, Rolls-Royce has confirmed.
"Our priority since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak has been to ensure the wellbeing of all our employees," the company said in a statement.
"This move will enable us to confirm the effectiveness of the measures taken to date and enhance our processes in order to sustain modified operations and activities over a longer period.
"This will allow us to focus on supporting customers and vital services, including air freight operations, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"During this time, we will continue to maintain our critical capability that ensures airlines can continue to operate."
Rolls-Royce says it will not be shutting its defence site in Bristol because the Government has designated the company as a "key supplier" for the UK military.
As a result all of the firm's defence facilities in the UK will remain operational.
Rolls-Royce added: "We will continue to supply and support the engines that power military aircraft, naval vessels and other vehicles, many of which are being called upon to assist the relief effort, while observing all Government health and safety guidance."
