Alliance Group is standing down some of its meat workers so it can better put into practice the physical distancing of workers at its plants.
The company said less than 20 per cent of its workforce would be affected by the stand-downs and those that were stood down would receive a daily payment of $120 and remain employed.
Alliance Group general manager of people and safety Chris Selbie said the company had adopted rules and standards given to them by the Meat Industry Association and approved by the Ministry for Primary Industries.
• Covid19.govt.nz: The Government's official Covid-19 advisory website
"This protocol, which is designed to keep our people safe and ensure our operations do not contribute to the spread of Covid-19, includes a requirement for physical distancing along with measures such as Personal Protective Equipment to protect employees."