Car workers' fears as production stops

Jan 31 2009 The Journal

THOUSANDS of workers left Honda’s UK factory for a four-month sabbatical last night as the company embarked on one of the longest breaks in production in Britain’s industrial history.

Production at the plant in Swindon, Wiltshire, was shut down yesterday until June 1 after a dramatic slump in sales.

The 4,200 workers will receive their full basic pay for the first two months, reducing to 60% for the rest of the production shutdown.

The decision follows shorter shutdowns at other car plants including Nissan in Sunderland.

Senior directors at Honda have stressed the firm’s commitment to retaining its Swindon workforce until the summer when the new Jazz model is due to go into production.

But the men on the ground were less confident as they left the site after what they hope will not be their very last shift.

Paul Wiseman, 33, a general associate in the engine plant, said the mood on the factory floor was sombre.

He said: "Everyone is feeling a bit down as we’re all facing four months off, and we’re all a bit worried that it might be more."

But Mr Wiseman, who lives in Swindon with his wife of six months, said most staff empathised with the decision made to shut down production.

"Everyone has seen the news, we all know we’re in a recession," he said.

"Honda is trying their best, and there’s always a fear that we could lose our jobs, but Honda have told the staff its future is in Swindon."

Lead associate Paul North, 38, lives in Swindon with his wife and two children, aged 11 and eight.

Mr North, who has been with Honda for 11 years and currently works in the engine plant, said there was an air of "apprehension" on the factory floor.

He said: "Some are excited about having four months off work, but there is a lot of apprehension because of the way things are going in the car industry.

"Everyone knows cars aren’t selling. And it’s not just Honda, it’s other manufacturers as well, so what’s the point in producing cars if no one is buying them?"

Honda director Dave Hodgetts said the company was doing all it could to protect jobs.

He said: "We will be trying to protect their jobs – that’s our priority for the whole period.

"No one could forecast the impact of the recession on the industry. We’ve had to take this severe action."

Mr Hodgetts said remaining staff would work on developing the new Jazz, which should go into production when staff return in June.