Astra mk4, minus side skirts - OK?

I'm mid-recomissioning a MK4 Astra, and I need to have a bit of welding done, and some new tyres before I dare submit it for MOT, as it's been stood 2 years since the ePAS system failed on it.  Now got that sorted, but decided to take the plastic "side skirts" off, to check the sills..nothing bar superficial rust, thankfully..but would I be able to take it for MOT without refitting them?  I'd ideally like to get the test out of the way, and then settle down to the niggly jobs like stripping and sorting the paint etc.

As it stands, the "posts" the skirts attach to are there, welded to the body - if I covered these, with, say, duct tape or similar to cover the edges that may catch otherwise, would it be acceptable?  The skirts will be refitted, but they were a sod to remove!

Many thanks!