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<p>The Government is working with the car manufacturers and key industry groups to
identify and assess supply chain risks in all cases where car manufacturing operations
are expected to cease or reduce. It is a complex picture and it is difficult to project
the number of potential job losses. Every effort is being made to minimise job losses
by supporting affected suppliers to identify new opportunities to sustain and potentially
grow their businesses before the impact of these announcements comes to pass.</p><p>The
Government has recently launched the £16m National Manufacturing Competitiveness Levels
(NMCL) supply chain programme, which is designed to improve competitiveness, raise
workforce capability, and increase the productivity of automotive suppliers. The programme
is open to Honda suppliers.</p><p>The Government will continue to assess UK wide supply
chain risks have so far identified over 60 supply chain companies directly impacted
by the Honda decision. We are working across all LEP areas and with the Devolved Nations
to protect and support Honda supply chain businesses across the UK. As well as work
across Government to measure the potential short and long-term economic shock from
Honda and any supply chain closures on the UK economy (including within other sectors).</p><p>There
are more than 2500 automotive supply chain companies in the UK, including 18 of the
world's 20 biggest automotive suppliers, producing approximately £12.7bn worth of
parts.</p><p>I am pleased to confirm that the Government announced this April that
Swindon will be one of twelve new Institutes of Technology to be set up across the
country to boost the nation's skills and set more young people on a clear path to
high quality and well-paid jobs.</p><p>We are doing everything possible to support
businesses, their workforce and communities affected by the announcements. We continue
the strive to attract investment, creating highly-skilled jobs that offer fulfilling
careers for years to come.</p>
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