Honda to shut down Swindon car plant putting 3,500 jobs on the line
Honda is set to announce the closure of its car plant in Swindon in 2022 which could potentially leave 3,500 workers unemployed.
Honda Motor Co.
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The Japanese car-maker is yet to make a formal announcement but local MP Justin Tomlinson said Honda was consulting with “all staff”.
"There is not expected to be any job losses, or changes in production until 2021," Tomlinson confirmed.
In a tweet, Tomlinson also said: "Honda are clear this is based on global trends and not Brexit, as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021."
Unite union is seeking urgent meetings with the company and said that ‘the chickens were coming home to roost big-time because of the Brexit uncertainty caused by the chaotic Tory government.’
Unite national officer for the automotive sector Des Quinn said: “If these reports are confirmed, this would be a shattering body blow at the heart of UK manufacturing.
“The car industry in the UK over the last two decades has been the jewel in the crown for the manufacturing sector – and now it has been brought low by the chaotic Brexit uncertainty created by the rigid approach adopted by prime minister Theresa May."
The Japanese company made 160,000 Honda Civics in Swindon last year, of which some 90% were exported to the EU.
Nevertheless, Honda, like the car industry in general, has been struggling with falling demand in China and a slowdown in sales of diesel vehicles.