23/03/09 - Conservatives Say Honda Redundancies Show Government Is Failing

Swindon's two prospective Conservative MPs have expressed their sympathy for local Honda workers facing redundancy, and say it shows the government is failing to cope with the worsening recession.

Honda has today written to employees offering a final chance to sign up for the 'Associate Release Programme' which allows workers to leave the company with a financial payout.

Today's letter says, for those that choose not to take up the offer, "there is likely to be a one year pay cut".  It also reportedly warns Honda will make a loss for the first time in its history.

Justin Tomlinson, parliamentary candidate for North Swindon, said, ''My thoughts are with the thousands of Honda workers who are facing this very difficult choice.

"As a local businessman myself, I know how difficult things are at the moment.  The government seems powerless to do anything to soften the blow of the recession, which has been caused by Gordon Brown's own policies over the last 12 years".

Robert Buckland, parliamentary candidate for South Swindon, said, ''This is a terrible position for Honda workers to be facing.

"David Cameron has called on the government to introduce tax breaks to make it easier for employers like Honda.  But instead Gordon Brown just keeps announcing one new scheme after another, and they're just not working".

Heading Downwards: Honda says profits will drop, and fewer workers are needed.