Worker George Baker looks at a build card for a vehicle destined for China at the Jaguar Land Rover facility in Solihull, Britain, January 30, 2017. REUTERS/Darren Staples

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's biggest carmaker Jaguar Land Rover TAMO.NS is to reduce the workforce at its plant in Wolverhampton, central England, by about 500 in a temporary move, it said on Thursday.

The company said in response to adjustments in vehicle production schedules, the Engine Manufacturing Centre will take a temporary pause in production.

Maintenance and salaried staff will continue as normal. Those affected will continue to receive full pay for the period.

“The external environment remains challenging and the company is taking decisive actions to achieve the necessary operational efficiencies to safeguard long-term success,” it added in a statement.

About 500 of the factory’s 1,600-strong workforce could be affected at any one time through a two-week period.

(The story corrects location of site, adds details)