Japanese car firm Honda has confirmed the loss of 3,500 jobs after the company’s Swindon factory closes down in 2021.

The news was confirmed following news earlier in the year, and after consultation with the Government, consultants and union representatives.

The shadow business secretary Rebecca Long Bailey described the closure as ‘devastating news for the workers who have fought tooth and nail to save their jobs’, while Business Secretary Greg Clark promised to ‘ensure everything is being done to support those affected and to continue Swindon’s record of attracting investment to create highly-skilled jobs that offer fulfilling careers’.

In a statement Honda director Jason Smith, said: “It is with a heavy heart that today we confirm the closure of Honda’s factory in Swindon.

“We understand the impact this decision has on our associates, suppliers and the wider community.

“We are committed to continuing to support them throughout the next phases of the consultation process.”

Meanwhile, Unite’s national officer, Des Quinn described the decision as a betrayal: “We await the detailed reasons from Honda, but Unite believes that our alternative case to keep Honda Swindon open added up and was likely to be backed by the Government with public money.

“It would have made Honda a global leader in emerging battery technology and in a strong position to exploit the growing global market for electric vehicles in the coming years.

“Instead we have this body blow which is nothing short of a betrayal of the workforce, customers and the wider supply chain which relies on Honda Swindon for work.”

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