JCB is cutting production due to anticipated component shortages from Chinese suppliers affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Overtime is being suspended and about 4,000 workers will start a shorter working week from Monday.

The measures will see the introduction of a 34-hour week for UK factory employees until further notice, although JCB employees will be paid for a 39-hour week and will bank the hours, working them back later in the year.

Chief operating officer Mark Turner said: "The disruption to the component supply chain in the UK comes at a time when demand for JCB products is very strong, so while this course of action is very unfortunate, it is absolutely necessary to protect the business and our skill base.

"Production in the UK has so far been unaffected by the situation in China. However, more than 25pc of JCB's suppliers in China remain closed and those that have reopened are working at reduced capacity and are struggling to make shipments."