Honda have confirmed they will make a total of 99 compulsory redundancies following discussions with the Unite union.

A short statement from the firm, which recently announced it would be reducing production from two lines to one, said all employees leaving the company would see their contracts end on May 23.

The South Marston-based manufacturer had opened a voluntary redundancy programme but too few employees came forward, making compulsory cuts necessary.

The deadline for applications to leave the business voluntarily, using HUM’s Associate Release Programme, was extended from April 22, by which point 191 associates had applied to leave voluntarily, to last Friday.

Unite’s regional co-ordinating officer in Swindon, Jim D’Avila said last week he hoped there may be as few as 83 forced out of the Highworth Road plant, while HUM forecasted as many as 109.

Honda's statement read: "Today, Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd (HUM) can confirm that following ongoing meetings between HUM and the Unite Consultative Committee , and following the closure of the voluntary redundancy programme on Friday, May 9, the total number of compulsory redundancies will be 99.

"A formal compulsory process commences this week. The last contractual day for all employees leaving the company will be 23 May 2014."