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Honda set to confirm Swindon blow

Honda's Swindon factory set to close - a move that might affect more than 3,500 workers. 
Posted on 19 February, 2019
Honda set to confirm Swindon blow

Honda is set to confirm the closure of its factory in Swindon in a devastating move that will affect more than 3,500 workers.

The Japanese car manufacturer is expected to disclose the full extent of the plan in the upcoming days, Sky News reports.

According to Sky News, the manufacturer is set to shut its UK plant in 2022, although the company will retain its European headquarters in Bracknell, Berkshire, as well as its Formula One racing team operations in the UK.

Honda produces more than 100,000 Civic cars at Swindon, which is the company's only factory in the EU. Around 90 per cent of these are exported to Europe and the US.

The Swindon site, which spans over 370 acres, first opened its doors in 1985, and produced an estimated 134,146 vehicles in 2016.

Its closure, which could lead to a huge number of local redundancies, is expected to spark concerns from trade unions.

"It's distressing news for Honda employees and their families, especially as Honda’s leaving staff in limbo over their fate by not commenting on the matter," says Martin Lane, at Money.co.uk, speaking about the announcement.

"This will have a huge impact on individuals, but also the local area as a whole. Those who fear they could lose their jobs should hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

"Now is the time to check your redundancy rights and dig out any income or mortgage protection policies you hold just in case. “Sadly this is a hard blow to Britain’s car industry, and I doubt it will be the end of the redundancies this year. With the uncertainty of Brexit lingering over us many more companies could follow suit."

Honda's announcement follows a string of changes announced by manufacturers since the Brexit vote.

Earlier this month, Nissan announced it had abandoned plans to build the next-generation X-trail at its plant in Sunderland due to uncertainty around the UK’s future relationship with the EU.