Honda is closing the doors at its factory in Swindon for two months next year as demand for new cars slows.
The plant's 4,800 employees will still receive basic pay throughout February and March when the plant is shut down, however.
Honda wants to make 21,000 fewer cars at the factory this year as part of its plans to cut global output.
Trade union Unite was concerned the 50-day shutdown meant job losses were in the pipeline.
Jim D'Avilia, Unite's regional officer, said: "This is unexpected bad news.
"The union, staff and the company need to work together to minimise any financial hardship and to find ways to protect pay and long-term job security."
Several big companies operating in the UK have announced job losses recently, across a range of industries.
AstraZeneca, Rolls Royce, BAE Systems and Citigroup have all announced job cuts this week.
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