The carmaker is to move from a three-shift to a two-shift pattern at the plant and will also consolidate production on to one line in a move to ‘improve production flexibility and efficiency’ while production volumes continue at the current level.

The carmaker will enter into consultation on a proposal to reduce the workforce by 340 permanent positions and 160 temporary employees.

Ian Howells, senior vice president at Honda Europe, said: ‘Over the last 12 months, we haven’t seen the growth we’d anticipated. With no increase forecasted for the next couple of years, we must scale our manufacturing activity accordingly.’

‘However, with the restructuring we’re taking today, and our new model plans, we remain confident in the long-term future of our Swindon plant.

‘Our Swindon operation continues to be the hub for our European car manufacturing activity,’ he added.

The Swindon plant has been in operation since 1992 with the second line opened in 2001. It currently produces the Civic, Civic Tourer, CR-V and Jazz models for the UK and Europe.