Late shift staff will be coming in to work on Tuesday. Production is not expected to resume.
A company statement said: “Vehicle production has been suspended today in Nissan Sunderland Plant.
“Further measures are currently under study as we assess supply chain disruption and the sudden drop in market demand caused by the COVID-19 emergency.”
The firm says staff will be updated as soon as possible on the ongoing situation.
One staff member, who did not want to be named, added: “We’ve been running low on parts all week with the other countries on lock-down. A lot of our supply comes from Europe.”
Washington and Sunderland West MP Sharon Hodgson Tweeted: “The news that Nissan UK has decided to suspend production at the plant in my constituency is extremely concerning and shows just how much of an impact coronavirus is having on our country.
“I will be writing to the Prime Minister this afternoon, urging him to take further action to safeguard industries and businesses that as already suffering as a result of the virus.
“Forth thousand people in and around my constituency rely on the plant for their livelihoods and I will do everything I can to secure them.”
