Production across Britain's automotive sector has fallen dramatically due to staff shortages, as workers self-isolate under government Covid-19 tracing rules, an industry body has said.

According to AFP, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said up to 30 per cent of workers in some companies were being forced to stay at home because they were “pinged” by the Covid app.

The state-run National Health Service said record numbers were contacted by the app in the week to July 21, identifying them as having been in close contact with someone who has later tested positive.

The SMMT said only 69,079 cars had been built in factories over last month — the worst June for the sector since 1953.