Honda workers tell of 'complete shock' after announcement plant will close

Workers at Honda's Swindon plant have told of their "complete shock" after the manufacturer announced it will shut in 2021.

The Japanese car maker, which is the UK's fifth biggest, said 3,500 jobs will be lost when the plant shuts at the end of the current model's production lifecycle.

Staff were sent home after the announcement at 8am on Tuesday, with many labelling the situation "a disgrace" and claiming they were given "absolutely no information."

They also criticised the company not informing them of the decision before it appeared in the press.

One member of staff, who works in the site office, told the Standard: “It's very distressing for everyone involved.

“We are all very concerned about the effect this will have on Swindon and the automotive industry in the UK.

“The feeling is very much that Nissan and Toyota will follow Honda in leaving.

“We all believe that Brexit has had a large impact on this decision, we had been told throughout that Honda would not issue their views in the media on Brexit as they did not want to influence British politics.

“However we had all been advised it would have a negative effect if there was no free trade agreement with the EU and we would become unsustainable.

“The 2021 Civic was meant to be awarded to us in Dec 18, this was pushed back to Jan 19, then March 19.

“Our view is Honda were waiting for the Brexit agreement in parliament but are no longer able to wait for an agreement.

A general associate, who has been at the factory for three years, said he fears he may have to leave Swindon after the plant shuts because of a lack of jobs.

He said: “I think the whole situation is just a disgrace to be honest.

“I was completely shocked - we were given absolutely no information by Honda regarding the matter.

“I saw it on a news notification on my phone as soon as I started my shift, which is so disappointing that the media knows before the company’s employees.

“With years of our lives dedicated to the company, I think we deserve to be in the loop a bit more than we have.

“I don't think the head of Honda is to blame for what has happened or is at fault for decisions made, I would just ask how the media knew before us, which is the most frustrating thing.”

Up to 10 per cent of the 186,000 people working in assembly and supply chain jobs in the UK could go after a string of job cuts announced in the past six months by the likes of Jaguar Land Rover, Ford and Vauxhall, academics say.

He added: “I am due to start at 2.00pm, although having friends at Honda I have already been told the situation.

“I called reception and they said 'come into work as normal and you will be briefed on the events then likely sent home for the day.’

“I only have to travel a few miles, but a few guys I work with will be travelling from Trowbridge, Calne and places way further afield only to be sent home again. It is so poorly managed.

“I have worked with the company for three years and was hoping it would end up more than only five years but it would seem that will be it.

“I genuinely don't know what I’ll do next. Swindon will be an absolute nightmare in the aftermath of this so maybe a move away is on the cards