BMW this morning announced that 850 jobs have been axed at the Mini plant in Cowley.

The jobs will be those of temporary and agency workers.

BMW released this statement: “MINI Plant Oxford will be bringing in a new shift pattern in response to continuing volatile market conditions.

“As of Monday, March 2, the plant will go from a three-shift to two-shift pattern, operating five days per week instead of the current seven.

“The company regrets that this change will result in the release of around 850 agency workers from the business. A number of agency employees will be retained.

“BMW Group associates who currently work on the weekend shift will be redeployed to one of the weekday shifts.

“While MINI has been weathering the economic downturn, it is not immune from the challenges of the current situation.

“Against this backdrop the company felt that a review of its shift patterns was necessary.

“This decision has not been taken lightly.

“The plant’s union representatives have, of course, been involved in the discussions.”