Honda shuts Swindon

HONDA yesterday confirmed the closure of its Swindon factory.

the Japanese car maker said it plans to close its UK plant in two years, with the loss of thousands of jobs.

the company told workers that following a ‘meaningful and robust’ consultation, no viable alternatives to the closure have been found. the plant, which employs 3,500 people, will close in 2021.

Honda director Jason Smith said: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the closure.’

Unite national officer Des Quinn said the announcement was a ‘ body blow which is nothing short of a betrayal of the workforce, customers and the wider supply chain.’