Nissan confirms it is 'adjusting' production at Sunderland plant as 750 workers continue on furlough over parts supply issues

The car giant confirmed it would be putting the employees on the scheme late last month and today, Wednesday, March 17, confirmed there would be a stand down from Monday, March 22, with “more disruption likely.”

It comes due to a world-wide issue of sourcing the parts, with those already put on furlough remaining on the scheme.

A Nissan spokesman said: “A global shortage of semiconductors has affected parts procurement in the auto sector.

"Due to the shortage, Nissan will adjust production and take necessary actions to ensure recovery.”

The comment given today is word-for-word the same as that given when the move was confirmed on Wednesday, February 24.

The firm put the 750 workers on furlough from the week commencing Monday, March 1, as it suspended the late shift on line two, which makes the Qashqai and Juke models.

It was understood at that stage there could be further suspensions caused by the same trouble, which has also led Honda and Mazda to impose temporary stoppages on its plants in Japan.

The Wearside factory is expected to start production of the third generation Qashqai – an electric hybrid model – in the months to come after it was announced the Sunderland site would be tasked with making the cars.

The disruption follows comments from the company’s bosses that the Brexit deal signed by the UK would be positive for the future of its Sunderland plant.

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