Convenience food manufacturer Greencore has suspended production at its Northamptonshire site following consultation with the Department of Health & Social Care and Public Health England.

The news comes after the firm announced 292 workers at the site had contracted the virus earlier this month.

In a statement, the company said: “Greencore can confirm that, in consultation with the Department of Health & Social Care, Public Health England and other Government bodies, it has taken the decision to temporarily cease production at its Northampton facility from the end of today (Friday 21st August) as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak in the Northampton area and at the site.

“We have moved a proportion of production from the Northampton facility to other sites within the Greencore network, and are working with the affected customer to help mitigate any shortfall.”

“This decision will allow all remaining colleagues at the site to self-isolate as a precautionary measure, and has been taken as part of the region’s ongoing efforts to reduce the spread of the virus and keep our colleagues safe.

“We have moved a proportion of production from the Northampton facility to other sites within the Greencore network, and are working with the affected customer to help mitigate any shortfall.

“We have been in constant contact with PHE East Midlands, Northamptonshire County Council, Northampton Borough Council and other Government bodies, who have been hugely understanding and supportive of our response. We will continue to work closely with them in order to bring the site back safely into production as soon as possible, as colleagues who are self-isolating begin to return.”

Greencore had also faced a potential walkout from staff earlier this month after agency staff were brought in while workers were still on furlough.