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Honda to cut 800 Swindon jobs

Honda is set to cut 800 jobs at its Swindon plant which produces the Civic Jazz and CR-V models.

The plant employs around 3,500 people, and now the manufacturer will begin a 90-day consultation period on the cuts.

Executive vice president of Honda Motor Europe, Ken Keir, said: “Sustained conditions of low demand in European markets make it necessary to realign Honda’s business structure.

“As such, Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) will enter into formal consultation with its Associates to consider these changes and the proposal that it will reduce the workforce by 800 Associates by Spring 2013.”

Paul Everitt, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: “This is very disappointing news for Honda staff and their families. The decline in European new car markets and uncertain growth prospects has forced a number of vehicle manufacturers to restructure their operations.

“Despite challenges brought by weak European demand, the longer-term prospects for the UK automotive sector remain good. The industry has seen £6 billion of new investment from a wide-range of global vehicle manufacturers during the last two years and there is demand for skilled workers in the automotive industry and other high value manufacturing sectors.

“We hope that those affected will be able to take advantage of the opportunities we know exist throughout the UK sector and its supply chain.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .