Workers at the UK factory of Japanese motor giant Honda today disclosed their hopes and fears for the future as they arrived for their last day of work for four months.

Production at the plant in Swindon, Wiltshire, will be halted at the end of today's shift until June 1 because of an extended shutdown caused by the slump in sales.

The 4,200 workers will receive their full basic pay for the first two months, reducing to 60% for the rest of the production shutdown.

Senior directors have stressed the firm's commitment to retaining its Swindon workforce until the autumn when the Jazz model is due to go into production.

But the men on the ground were less confident as they arrived at the site today for what they hope will not be their very last shift.

Paul Wiseman, 33, a general associate in the engine plant, said the mood on the factory floor was sombre.

He said: "Everyone is feeling a bit down as we're all facing four months off, and we're all a bit worried that it might be more."

But Mr Wiseman, who lives in Swindon with his wife of six months, said most staff empathised with the decision made to shut down production.

"Everyone has seen the news, we all know we're in a recession," he said.

"Honda is trying their best, and there's always a fear that we could lose our jobs, but Honda have told the staff its future is in Swindon."

Mr Wiseman, who has an £850-a-month mortgage on his three-bedroom house, said the reduction in his income would put pressure on his wife, 29, a radiographer, who will work extra shifts to keep the couple afloat.

He said: "I'm going to save as much as I can, we won't be going on holiday this year. My wife has a long list of decorating jobs I can get on with."

But Mr Wiseman said he was remaining upbeat and optimistic, and had signed up for unpaid voluntary work at the Great Western Hospital to keep him busy until June.

"I think we'll be all right," he said. "There are others in the factory who have been forced to have mortgage breaks. We'll just have to keep things down to a minimum.

"I'm confident I will come back here in four months time."

A number of UK car plants have cut production and jobs because of the huge slump in sales caused by the recession, which has had a knock-on effect on supplier firms.

Lead associate Paul North, 38, lives in Swindon with his wife and two children, aged 11 and eight-years-old.

Mr North, who has been with Honda for 11 years and currently works in the engine plant, said there was an air of "apprehension" on the factory floor.

He said: "Some are excited about having four months off work, but there is a lot of apprehension because of the way things are going in the car industry.

"But the company has assured us that our jobs are safe, hopefully our contracts won't be terminated."

Mr North said most employees at Honda understood why production was brought to a halt.

He said: "Everyone knows cars aren't selling. And it's not just Honda, it's other manufacturers as well, so what's the point in producing cars if no one is buying them?"

Mr North said he expected to meet his monthly outgoings, including his £500-a-month mortgage, with the help of his wife, a part-time care assistant.

He said: "It's not going to be as bad as I first thought. I have considered getting another job for four months, which I'm allowed to do, but at this stage I don't think I will.

"I want to keep busy though, and may sign up for a computer course."