The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev John Pritchard, has spoken about the news that 850 jobs have been shed at BMW's car plant in Cowley.
He said: “Oxford is badly wounded by the loss of 850 jobs at the Cowley car plant.
“It is a personal tragedy for those who have contributed to the success of the Mini brand and for the thousands of people who depend on the continued productivity of the Cowley car plant.
"The unemployment rate may be six per cent nationally, but when someone loses their own job it’s 100 per cent.
“This is also a corporate sorrow to a proud city. We are sharing the pain of a global crisis which needs both local and global solutions.
"The churches of Oxford are ready to stand alongside those who need support in compassion, prayer and practical action.”
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