MINISTERS must not forget the workers involved in Honda’s Swindon supply chain, union officers have said.

Honda of the UK Manufacturing announced last week it planned to shut its South Marston plant by 2021, with the loss of 3,500 jobs.

However, firms like Highworth-based TS Tech and Honda Logistics UK employ hundreds more workers – all of whom face an uncertain future.

Unite said these supply chain firms must be kept in mind when the Honda Task Force considers how best to respond to the car firm’s departure. And union officers urged ministers to take the fight to the Japanese headquarters.

Tony Hulbert, regional officer for Unite, said said staff at Honda Logistics’ South Marston base had greeted news of the Japanese car giant’s departure with a mixture of devastation and shock.

"I think it’s a political argument and I think the politicians need to take the argument to Japan," he added. “Greg Clark, the business secretary, needs to be there banging on their door saying, ‘This is what we can do for you here in Swindon, we have the skills.’”

Fellow Unite officer John McGookin, responsible for supporting TS Tech workers, said: “At the end of the day this is an issue for the politicians now. People within the trade union movement have a will and that will is to remain in employment.”

Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon, said: “A very clear steer at last week’s task force meeting was to identify all those who will be impacted by Honda’s decision and make sure they are supported during these very difficult times.”