Honda Taskforce promise "wide-ranging package of support" for around 3,000 Swindon workers who face redundancy
Swindon Borough Council has also earmarked £200,000 to help companies in the supply chain
Last updated 25th Mar 2021
A wide-ranging package of support provided for Honda of the UK Manufacturing (Honda) workers in Swindon was among the items discussed at the latest national taskforce meeting yesterday (30 Sep).
Minister for Business and Industry, Nadhim Zahawi, chaired the latest Honda Swindon Taskforce meeting and was presented with an update from the Honda and Supply Chain Coordinating Steering Group, led by Swindon Borough Council, which is overseeing additional support for Honda workers and those working in the supply chain.
The Taskforce - which is made up of representatives from the Council, the town’s MPs, local partners, Honda of the UK Manufacturing, Unite the Union, Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) and sector representatives - discussed support for Honda workers, the supply chain, and the future of the site.
The Japanese carmaker, which will stop production at its South Marston factory in July 2021, has already provided a huge amount of support to its 3,500-strong workforce with 96 per cent of workers having taken the opportunity to benefit from coaching sessions, with specialist career coaches.
What's the Taskforce doing to help?
Employees have access to more than 8,000 free online training resources through LinkedIn Learning, and 500 associates have signed up to Functional Skills training in English, Mathematics and Information Communication Technology.
Virtual CV writing workshops began over the summer and a series of interview, job search, retirement and self-employment workshops will be made available to staff at the end of the year.
The Honda and Supply Chain Coordinating Steering Group has been working closely with Honda to supplement the support on offer, not only for workers at the plant, but for wider supply chain firms.
A local financial and well-being services booklet was also produced and sent to four Honda-owned companies and large suppliers.
What's the Council doing to help?
Swindon Borough Council has also set aside £200,000 to help Honda workers and companies within the supply chain.
Half of the money has been used to unlock further funding from the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) SME Competitiveness Programme led by SWLEP, which is currently signing up Swindon and Wiltshire residents who are employed at Honda, or one of its suppliers for a comprehensive start-up business support programme delivered by experts YTKO.
The ESIF programme also provides diversification support to companies in the Honda supply chain. The remaining council funding will support Honda workers as and when required.
What's the Government doing to help?
The Government continues to support the Taskforce in its ambition to support Swindon’s local economy, including through its £3.6 billion Towns Fund, and a £1 billion Future High Street Fund.
Business and Industry Minister Nadhim Zahawi said:
“With its skilled workforce and innovative local businesses, Swindon is a highly attractive area for manufacturing investment, while the Honda site remains ripe for redevelopment.
“It was a pleasure to chair the latest meeting of the Honda Swindon Taskforce, where we discussed further support for Honda’s dedicated employees, the supply chain and wider community – as we look to retain the region’s proud reputation for advanced manufacturing.”