VAUXHALL has halted production at its Ellesmere Port plant until after Easter, the carmaker has confirmed.

The North Road factory workforce has been placed on furlough as the company responds to the falling demand for new vehicles as a result of showrooms being closed due to the pandemic.

The latest temporary shutdown comes after the carmaker also halted production at the site at the start of this month.

A spokesperson for Vauxhall confirmed to The Standard that workers had been placed on furlough until after the Easter break due to reduced demand with car showrooms shut across the UK and Europe.

It comes as the 800-strong workforce at Ellesmere Port await news on the long-term future of the factory.

Parent group Stellantis is currently seeking financial incentives from the Government to produce a fully electric vehicle at the site, along with commitments on the post-Brexit trade of auto parts including batteries.

The carmaker confirmed last month that it was considering "different scenarios" for the future of the factory and described discussions with UK officials over its future as "productive but not conclusive".

The Government said earlier this month that it is "absolutely committed" to safeguarding the future of the plant.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng made the comments to MPs in response to calls for a “successful, renewed commitment” to the site.