Workers who are part of the Sellafield supply chain have been told to stay away from the site until the end of the week, as plans are worked out to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

The nuclear site provides a large number of jobs through subcontractors that make up its complex supply chain.

These workers were told yesterday to stay away, as project work at Sellafield was paused for 48 hours.

This was to allow Sellafield time to adapt to better promote hygiene and social distancing, in order to minimise the risk of further spreading coronavirus.

Now, to allow for "deeper" planning, and to reflect the most recent government guidance, project work at the site has been suspended until the end of the week.

A spokesman for Sellafield said: "Supply chain employees will continue be paid in line with guarantee provisions in existing agreements.

"This includes the requirement to remain available to work. This situation could change and you may be called into work during this period.

"Any travelling workers who are currently in accommodation will be paid accommodation allowance for this week.

"People who wish to return home may do so, but they may need to provide a receipt so their employer can pay them under the HMRC concession."

Travelling workers will be notified "at least 17 hours" before they are needed, if they are required to return to work.

The Sellafield spokesman added: "Employees of Mite Civilian Guard Force, One FM Soft Services, and Cavendish Radiometrics should continue to work, as advised on Monday.

"Sellafield Ltd employees who have been working on site this week should continue to do so."