Honda to shut production down for six days in April due to Brexit

Swindon plant to suspend operation 'to facilitate production recovery activity following any delays at borders on parts', car manufacturer says

(Reuters)

Honda has told its workforce it will pause production for six days in April due to Brexit logistics and border disruption.

"To ensure Honda is well placed to adjust to all possible outcomes, we are planning six non-production days in April 2019," a spokesperson said.

"This is to facilitate production recovery activity following any delays at borders on parts.

"These contingency provisions have been put in place to best mitigate the risk of disruption to production operations at the Swindon factory."

It comes hours after Jaguar Land Rover confirmed it would cut 4,500 jobs including many in the UK as it battles falling sales in China and confusion over diesel emissions rules.

Also on Thursday, Ford announced it would cut thousands of jobs across Europe as part of a major turnaround plan.

Shutdowns are common during the summer in the car industry and are typically used to update and maintain equipment but they usually take place later in the year.