Global pottery manufacturer Steelite International has extended its factory shutdown for a further four weeks.
The Stoke-on-Trent company recently announced that its Middleport factory would remain closed for production until May 4.
But now the firm has announced that its 650 employees will not be required to return to work until at least July 1.
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In a statement posted on the company's website, group HR director Louise Griffin said: "Further to previous communications and due to the ongoing coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic and the Government’s extension of both the lockdown to mid-May and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to end of June, the 海角视频 operation in the main will not be reopening until July 1, 2020.
"As you will be aware, our global business has been significantly impacted by the pandemic, as has the entire hospitality industry of which we serve. As regions in each country across the globe move through this challenging period, we are constantly reviewing our continued operations to ensure we can respond appropriately to market demands."
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"As the need to support essential businesses rise, we have taken steps to offer limited service to our customers. We have a core team of individuals that continue to work from home across the globe.
"The Steelite 海角视频 distribution centre is currently dispatching twice weekly, and we will look to add additional days in the coming weeks as we see increased demand.
"We will shortly be bringing in a team to ensure our facility is ready to reopen in a safe manner and in line with social distancing and workplace guidance currently in place.
"As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by Covid-19, our number one priority is the health, safety, and wellbeing of our employees, we'll be taking all the necessary steps with the latest guidelines and protocol set forth by the 海角视频 Government to ensure a safe and healthy working environment."