Nearly 400 more jobs are to go in Swindon and fears are growing that several hundred are now threatened as the impact of Honda’s mass redundancies filters through to its suppliers.
Logistics company South Marston Distribution (SDC), which operates a large warehouse in the shadow of Honda’s assembly works, has confirmed it is to axe 370 temporary agency staff, equivalent to around 38% of its workforce.
And there is concern that more jobs could go in other local firms supplying Honda with parts and services. The Japanese car giant last week announced it is to cut 800 permanent jobs and a further 150 agency workers over the next few months due to the slowdown in European car sales.
SDC delivers parts to Honda’s assembly lines – acting as a buffer warehouse for component suppliers.
More than 95% of its work is for Honda – and any reduction in car production has a knock-on effect.
Honda has sent letters to all employees at risk of redundancy saying it wants to make the changes by May 1 and starting a statutory 90-day consultation exercise.
