Taskforce set up to help Honda workers facing redundancy

Honda has announced 800 job cuts at its Swindon plant which employs 3,500 workers

A support taskforce is being set up to help workers at Honda's Swindon plant who are facing redundancy.

The Japanese carmaker announced on Friday that it is to cut 800 jobs, blaming weak demand across Europe.

Honda, the local authority and employment agencies will offer a package of support to affected staff in order to help them back into full-time work.

Activities will include re-training and job-seeking advice and stress therapy.

South Swindon MP, Robert Buckland said the service will be open to those workers who want advice about finances, benefits or potential training and education opportunities.

He said: "I want to make sure that is all contained in an easy to access way, so that advice is on hand immediately to support people through what is going to be a traumatic time for them and their families."

Support has also been offered by Skills Funding Agency, Jobcentre Plus, the Department Business Innovation and Skills and BusinessWest to deliver a range of services to the Honda staff affected.