MORE jobs are to go at Honda after the company offered an improved redundancy packet to its workers, who this summer agreed a pay cut to safeguard jobs.

The car giant’s decision to reopen its associate release programme has been criticised by union leader Jim D’Avila, who demanded the firm pay back the three per cent wage cut if it cannot guarantee no more jobs will be lost.

The South Marston-based company has insisted there is no target for redundancies but Mr D’Avila believes the aim is to cut the same 490 jobs the company was unable to secure during its previous programme, which saw 1,300 choose to leave.

“The deal that we struck with them earlier this year was to protect almost 500 jobs in exchange for a pay cut,” said the Unite regional officer.

“If they are now saying they are not going to protect those jobs then we want the pay cut to be reinstated. Not only that – the money should be backdated.

“People looking at this situation will think we have been conned. They see that we took a pay cut to save 500 jobs and now the company is using that money to up the redundancy package.

“I’m sure Honda doesn’t want to be seen like that and I hope they will reconsider. We want to work with them – that’s why we agreed the pay cut in the first place.”

Workers agreed in June to take a 10-month wage reduction of three per cent in an effort to avoid further redundancies.

After the plant reopened in June, following a four-month shutdown, spirits were high as the workers counted down to the first British production of the Jazz. But just over a month after the first Jazz rolled off the production line Honda workers must once again consider their futures.

A Honda spokeswoman said: “Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd (HUM) have announced plans to open a further associate release programme based on their forecast production plan for the next financial year, which is based at a similar production rate as the current year.

“HUM remains committed to safeguard associate’s Jobs and recognise there may be some associates who wish to take up other opportunities. HUM has therefore introduced an associate release programme which offers a financial incentive to associates who wish to leave HUM at this time.

“The scheme is entirely voluntary, and any decision is based on each associate’s individual choice.”

The spokeswoman confirmed that the package would be enhanced but refused to elaborate further.

Kevin Copp, president of the Swindon Chamber of Commerce, expressed confidence in the firm.

He said: “The way Honda handled the challenging situation they found themselves in last year was an example to other companies and proved that Honda is committed to Swindon.

“The company has to make sure its workforce reflects the demand for its product. While it’s not what anyone would want in an ideal world I’m confident that Honda is committed to its workforce and to Swindon.”

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