Japanese automaker Honda is to announce the shutdown of its car plant in Swindon, southern Britain, in 2022, likely causing the loss of 3,500 jobs, sources have said.
About 3,500 people are now employed at the Swindon plant, said Sky News on Tuesday, adding that another 10,000 jobs could be under threat in the supply chain and support services.
Honda is "clear this is based on global trends and not Brexit as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021," tweeted Justin Tomlinson, Conservative Member of Parliament for North Swindon, on Monday.
"Honda will be consulting with all staff and there is not expected to be any job losses, or changes in production until 2021," he added.
"Honda's decision to close its factory in Swindon is a huge blow to the thousands of workers and the whole community," tweeted opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on Monday. "The government's disastrous handling of Brexit is letting people down across the country."
Honda has not commented on its decision about the closure yet.
The automaker bought its site to the Northeast of Swindon in 1985. In 2015, it celebrated the production of its three millionth car, according to its official website.
