THE BMW Mini plant in Cowley will close this week due to coronavirus.

An agency worker told The Oxford Mail they had been given the news this morning and operations were due to cease by the end of Friday.

The Oxford car factory, along with other is Europe, is not expected to reopen until mid April.

A statement from BMW confirming the news said: “Due to the rapidly evolving coronavirus pandemic we have taken the difficult decision to cease production at our production sites at Oxford and Swindon as of Monday next week (23rd March) for a period of four weeks until April 17.

"The plans for Hams Hall [Birmingham] are under development and a subsequent announcement will be made."

It added: "This decision is the culmination of a number of factors that are affecting the automotive industry at this time, namely the protection of the health and well-being of our employees, the potential for disruption to our suppliers and to a decline in global market demand.

"Our workforce is central to our company’s success and we are doing everything we can to support them at this time."

The statement continued: "We will enable people to take time off during this four week period through working time flexibility and holiday arrangements. In line with the most recent Government advice we are also asking those employees who can work from home to do so.

"We continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep our plans under review in light of any new public health guidance that is issued.”

It comes after Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW outlined the company's response to Covid-19 in press conference earlier today.

He said: "In times like these, we need responsible behaviour in society. We find ourselves in highly unusual times.

"All of us are personally affected. Medical experts and scientists are giving clear directions as to what we need to do to slow and contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic."

See our live blog for the latest coronavirus updates for Oxfordshire

He said the next few weeks will be 'critical' and that many countries have taken significant measures, 'which we support'.

Mr Zipse said the company had a responsibility to protect employees and their families, support society in its fight against the virus, and at the same time, to 'maintain our operational capabilities and prepare for what comes after the virus'.

He continued: "We have made far-reaching decisions that affect our daily business. Many people are focusing on their health and well-being and what is most essential right now.

"In light of this, we have already temporarily closed the first dealerships in Europe. Demand for cars, like many other goods, will decrease significantly."

He added: "We began to shut down our European and Rosslyn automotive plants, which will close by the end of the week.

"The interruption of production for the mentioned plants is currently planned to run until April 19."

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A Cowley Mini plant worker, who did not want to be named, said: "I'm an agency worker for the logistics side.

"We had a meeting with our boss at 6am at start of the shift, because we are not BMW Mini workers we are having to use our holiday and when that runs out get only paid the sick pay of £94 per week.

"It's bad that they are deciding this and not putting their hands in their pockets and looking after all staff at all levels.

"We supply the parts to the robot operators without us they wouldn't have cars being built."

He added: "I'm now having to find temp work to cover my losses because BMW don't seem to want to look after its staff no matter the level.

"Yesterday there was 12 people from the plant that I was aware of in self-isolation, not confirmed cases but still a worry."

A BMW spokesman said the 'vast majority' of BMW group workers would be paid during the closure.