EDF Energy has said the number of workers on site at the Hinkley Point C nuclear station under construction in southwest England will be significantly reduced, falling by more than half to around 2,000 in the coming days and further as work already in progress is completed.

The company said the measure was one a number of additional steps it is taking in response to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

EDF Energy said it will preserve the UK’s specialist nuclear supply chain and its skilled workers by focusing on critical work on nuclear parts of the project. “Keeping this capability intact is essential for a project of critical national importance and an industry which plays a key role in helping the UK reach net zero,” the company said.