Japan's global firms strive for 'business as usual'

The battering stock markets have received in the wake of Japan's earthquake is another vivid demonstration of how globalised the world now is. Companies and banks with bases in the UK, but with employees and even headquarters in Japan, are monitoring the situation in Tokyo and assessing how best to proceed.

While many organisations say they continue to watch the situation, none BBC News spoke to would admit to considering moving personnel out of Japan at this point - whether they're Japanese, from the UK or anywhere else. The emphasis is on preserving business continuity and, in the case of the big corporations actually aiding the relief efforts with massive donations of cash and trucks full of supplies.

Potentially the most vulnerable industry is the motor manufacturing sector, with companies building cars in Britain and the EU requiring parts from all over the world - and Japan in particular.

Toyota suspended production for three days in Japan itself while it checked on the safety of employees and their family members, as did other car-makers. That could result in a minor knock-on effect on parts for its models in the UK, though that would not be felt instantly because the components take six weeks to arrive here by sea.

Nevertheless, workers at Toyota's two plants in Burnaston and Deeside have been told they will get an extra Saturday off - 26 March - while the supply catches up. Other plants in the EU are also due to suspend operations at weekends.

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source: BBC