The Prime Minister vowed the Government would do “everything it can” to help BMW workers who have lost their jobs.

The car giant announced this morning that 850 workers had been axed at the company’s plant in Cowley.

Gordon Brown said: “Clearly this is very disappointing news. All I can say is that the Government is doing and will do everything it can to help those affected.

“In practical terms, that means Job Centre Plus and regional development agencies working with the company and the individuals affected to help them, and help them find alternative employment.”

A spokesman for the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform said: “We are very sad to hear about these job losses at Cowley, which must cause great anxiety to employees and their families and to the local community.

“Difficult decisions such as this are ultimately a matter for the company. The Government, with our regional partners and Job Centre Plus, will always do everything possible to support those affected and help them find new employment as quickly as possible.”