EMPLOYEES at Honda will be working part-time for another two months because of a shortage of parts coming from Japan.

Last month it was announced that union workers were bracing themselves for a month’s paid leave following repercussions from the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

The South Marston-based plant was forced to cut its output during April, but this has now been extended for a further two months with the 3,000 production staff working a two-day week in June and July. The workforce is to stay on full pay during this period, while building up a balance of hours to owe the firm.

A spokesman from Honda said: “We will continue on a reduced volume basis during June and July due to the ongoing parts interruption as a result of the impact caused by the Japan earthquake.

“Our workforce is fully aware of the situation as we keep them up-to-date on a very regular basis and during this period they will remain on full pay.”

Speaking back in April, Unite regional officer Jim D’Avila said it had been anticipated that a number of Japanese carmakers would see production affected because of the disaster.

“From a union perspective, we acknowledge the reasons why this stand-down is occurring and it is not of the making of anyone in the UK,” he said.

“We recognise what these people in Japan have gone through.”

He said workers would not be out of pocket, thanks to a Working Time Account Agreement, which was signed in 2009.

Under the terms of the agreement, workers who are members of the union will receive basic pay for the duration of the stand-down.

“It is a good agreement, it works both ways and keeps people on a regular 37 hour pay,” said Mr D’Avila.

“It is not the fault of the UK and it is not the fault that people aren’t buying cars anymore. It is circumstances that we would prefer not to happen, but thankfully we had the foresight to put this agreement in place in 2009. These workers are being stood down because of very tragic circumstances in Japan.

“In some ways it is not good news, and in some ways it is. This shows the forward thinking of both Unite the Union and Honda.”

Japan was hit by a devastating earthquake measuring 8.9 magnitude on March 11.

The quake off the country’s north eastern coast triggered a huge tsunami, with waves sweeping inland causing massive destruction and loss of life.