Honda 'doing EVERYTHING' possible to protect workers from Coronavirus amid Union calls to furlough
Swindon's Public Health Director says the Japanese firm has been "incredibly proactive"
Last updated 2nd Feb 2021
A major employer in our region is being "incredibly proactive" to keep staff safe.
That is according to Swindon's Director of Public Health, amid calls for Honda workers to be furloughed due to the risk of contracting Coronavirus.
Steve Maddern has spoken-out to defend the Japanese manufacturer, saying appropriate COVID measures have been taken at its South Marston car plant.
He's told Greatest Hits Radio: "Based on the evidence that we (Swindon Borough Council) have seen ... I believe Honda are doing everything they can to protect the health of their workforce.
"They've been incredibly proactive engaging with the (COVID) guidelines.
"Evidence from Environmental Health visits have shown that actually, in most circumstances, they have been going over and above what the basic guidelines are".
'Unite will always act in the best interests of our members'
Last month, Unite the Union urged Honda to consider temporarily closing the production site and furloughing its 3,500 employees.
Unite cited the increased risk of workers catching the new Coronavirus variant, as well as "extreme pressures" the pandemic has caused Great Western Hospital (GWH) in recent weeks.
On 13 January, GWH bosses declared a "critical incident", because of the surge of COVID patients on-site.
The Hospital was treating 159 people for Coronavirus at the time. Last week, despite Swindon's case rate falling by 31%, there were still estimated to be 140 COVID patients at GWH.
The Trade Union's regional officer, Alan Tomala, said: " There are a number of factors ... that are contributing to the situation, including the failure of the government to replicate the lockdown measures of March 2020 where the emphasis was on non-essential businesses closing.
“Unite is monitoring what is happening at the Honda plant very closely and will always act in the best interests of our members when it comes to health and safety in the battle against COVID-19".
'It is vital that manufacturing continues'
In response, Honda has told us its continued operation during this lockdown adheres to government policy. According to firm bosses, employee welfare remains their "top priority".
A company spokesperson said: "As stated in the latest public letter from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, “It is vital that manufacturing continues” and British manufacturers “are critical elements of the economic recovery we are building and the fight against COVID-19”.
"Honda is continually monitoring all Government, Public Health England and Swindon Borough Council COVID guidelines.
"We have implemented a significant number of safety measures that achieve or exceed this guidance to provide a COVID-secure site for our workforce".
'It's a staff responsibility to protect themselves'
Employees at the South Marston plant are now being urged to take accountability for steering clear of the virus.
"Businesses like Honda can do everything can to protect staff whilst they're on site, but it's still a staff responsibility to protect themselves and others whilst they're there," Mr Maddern added.