Andrew Smith, Labour MP for Oxford East said: “It is very sad and particularly tragic for the workers and their families — it does have a knock-on effect on the community.

“But we have to be careful here not to get into questioning Cowley’s basic strength as a plant.

“I know it is no consolation to the workers, but Mini is a strong brand and Cowley is a strong plant.

“We have seen a lot of success in recent years and we are determined to see that success in the future as well.”

Asked about the way in which workers were laid off, he added: “BMW do have to review how these things are communicated to the workforce, although it is never going to be easy giving this sort of news. This underlines just how few rights temporary and agency workers have.”