Honda closure a ‘shattering blow’

Confirmation that Honda is set to close its Swindon factory by 2021 with the loss of 3,500 jobs was described as “a shattering body blow at the heart of UK manufacturing”, by general union Unite. A further 3,500 jobs are expected to be lost in the supply chain.


The Japanese car manufacturer’s only UK plant makes 150,000 Honda Civics each year. 


Honda said the decision was part of a plan to accelerate its commitment to electric cars and was not related to Brexit. 


The announcement comes just weeks after rival manufacturer Nissan said it had cancelled plans to build its X-Trail sport utility car at its Sunderland plant. Production would instead be undertaken in Japan.


The car industry is facing tough market conditions, with Honda saying its move was due to global changes in the industry. 


Unite national officer for the automotive sector Des Quinn said that while Brexit was not mentioned by the firm, “we believe that the uncertainty that the Tory government has created by its inept and rigid handling of the Brexit negotiations lurks in the background”.


He said the union, while acknowledging the global challenges Honda has outlined, doesn’t accept that the Swindon plant does not have a viable future. “We are now entering a period of meaningful consultations with the management to examine in detail the business case put forward by the company,” he said.

https://unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2019/february/unite-will-campaign-for-a-viable-future-for-honda-s-swindon-plant