EDF, the energy giant which has its UK headquarters in Gloucestershire, has confirmed it is reducing the workforce as its Hinkley Point C nuclear plant project.

Gloucester-based EDF Energy, said it was reducing its workforce at the Somerset new-build by a half as the true scale and threat of the coronavirus becomes apparent.

The move will reduce the number of staff on the site to an estimated 2,000 with those remaing focusing on what EDF called critical areas.

A statement from Brockworth-headquartered operation said: "We will work in a focused and limited way with split shifts, extra buses and staggered breaks. Reduced numbers will allow easier social distancing in operational areas and sites such as canteens.

"Steps already in place include: shutting our Bristol head office, working from home for those that can, temperature checks on people entering the site, extra cleaning, changes in movement patterns, closure of bars and gyms.

"We are aware that many people and families in the locality depend on us and we will work with them to mitigate the impact of our reduced activity. We will consider how our resources can be used to help the community in the current crisis.

"We will continue to work with the trade unions and our supply chain to keep people safe and help them deal with the developing situation."