ON February 18 2019, news was leaked via BBC Five Live and Sky News of Honda’s intention to close its plant in Swindon. This immediately placed in jeopardy 3,500 jobs at the car plant and a further estimated 12,000 jobs at risk within the supply chain — 1,000 of those being in Swindon, others spread across many regions of the UK.
 
Prior to the news leak, Honda had long been clear and unequivocal in its commitment to the long-term future and viability of its Swindon plant. There had been neither discussions with Unite, the sole recognised trade union at HUM, nor any indications of uncertainty conveyed to the workforce.

Imagine, if you can, those leaving the car plant on the day’s early shift and those coming to work on the late shift, the overwhelming sense of bewilderment, shock and anger. Calls to the company by lay and full-time officials were “batted away” by Honda until the formal announcement confirmed this devastating news.
 
Political Reaction

Greg Clark, secretary of state for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), addressed the House of Commons in response to the announcement. It was apparent that expressing “disappointment” with the decision, the Tory government only offered support in the form of CV writing and job club initiatives — in their normal “non-interventionist” manner.