Southampton relies on parts produced in the Genk plant

The Ford factory in Southampton, which makes Transit vans, relies on parts from the plant in Genk.

But Belgian workers, angry at proposed job loses, are preventing the parts being shipped to Southampton.

The 1,603 workers at the Hampshire factory are reporting for work as normal but are taking part in training courses instead of normal duties.

Job losses

Up to 375 Transit vans are built every day at the Southampton plant.

A spokesman from Ford said they were hopeful of restarting work soon, but did not know when the dispute in Genk would be resolved.

He said all staff in Southampton reported into work as normal, and management "have devised training and other activities" to fill their time.

It is understood workers in Genk are blockading deliveries to and from the plant in protest at massive job losses.

Ford cancelled plans to produce its Focus model at Genk - a severe blow to the plant, leading to the loss of almost one-third of its 9,500 staff.