It is understandable that Mini workers at Cowley are expressing concern about the future.

For seven years, they have enjoyed job security and unprecedented prosperity as drivers have flocked at home and overseas to buy the award-winning car.

The word 'downturn' has never been part of their vocabulary.

But now the credit crunch shows signs of hitting one of Oxford's biggest industrial success stories.

Workers have been told that production will stop for one weekend in November, and for a longer period than usual at Christmas, to match supply with demand.

Figures show that global sales of the Mini fell 5.5 per cent and that UK sales slipped by 19 per cent in September compared with the same month last year.

Few parts of British industry are likely to escape the effects of the worldwide banking collapse.

Car buying may well be put on hold as families and companies tighten budgets.

But the plant at Cowley is probably in a better position than many to withstand the economic difficulties.

We certainly see no reason to panic at this stage — Mini production and sales remain buoyant.

In tough times, management and workers must work together to minimise the effects.

The excellent industrial relations that have existed at the plant must be preserved at all costs.