Recession starts today 

Honda shift workers begin 4 month lay-off

 

Government figures stated the recession officially started last week, but for thousands of Honda workers in Swindon today it started at exactly 2.20pm. 

 

And this was the scene just minutes after, as thousands of workers left the factory after finishing their last morning shift for four months.

 

No return until June: workers leaving the Honda factory today

 

Only the evening shift now remains to be completed before car production at the South Marston plant ceases until June as part of a major cost-cutting exercise.

 

And despite assurances from management, some employees fear the lay-off could be longer.

 

"It's been a tough day," one worker told us, "and it hasn't really sunk in that we won't be coming in on Monday.

 

"The mood is dispondent because a lot of us think the economy won't recover by the summer and we'll be asked to stay away for longer than they've asked us.

 

"I hope that's not the case, but for me, personally, dealing with the true impact of the recession starts today."

 

Started as an engine plant: Honda only built engines when they first opened their factory in Swindon in 1985, and started building cars in 1992

 

Unprecidented closure 

 

Honda announced on 16 January the Swindon plant would stop production for an additional 2 months, to add to the February and March shutdown already planned.

 

Associates will be paid their full salary for the first 2 months but without shift bonuses, then 60% for the remainder.

 

The extended closure is the longest of all the major UK car manufacturers and comes on the day Honda announced their net profit plunged 89 percent in their last financial quarter.