Norfolk car maker Lotus halts production and furloughs 600 workers

Norfolk-based car manufacturer Lotus has halted production and furloughed more than 600 members of staff in response to the coronavirus crisis.

But bosses say they'll top up the Government's 80% wage contribution so workers are still paid in full.

They also say a £400,000 investment means more than 700 engineers and designers are able to work from home.

With no revenue coming in, Chief Executive Phil Popham said the firm's strategy was to "protect and preserve".

Lotus halted car production immediately after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced "lockdown".

Mr Popham said the earliest the company anticipated production could resume would be May 4th - but the situation was being constantly monitored.

He also said shareholders were committed to navigating through the issues and that the crisis would not stop the "rejuvenation of a very famous brand".