The coronavirus pandemic is continuing to hit the motoring industry with the news today that BMW MINI are to cut 400 jobs at their Oxford factory.
BMW are citing a ‘substantial’ fall in demand for the job losses, with all the staff being made redundant from the 950 agency staff which are employed full-time on the production line.
The company is expected to move to a two shift pattern from a three-shift in October, which will reduce the factory capacity by around 10 per cent, or from 1000 cars per day to 800.
Lockdown in the UK forced many automotive factories to close down, with BMW’s Cowley plant halting production in March and April before resuming in May.
HR director Bob Shankly said, “Like other automotive manufacturers, our volume forecasts for 2020 have had to change accordingly.
“We have, therefore, made the difficult decision to adjust our shift patterns at Mini Plant Oxford from October.
“This will give us the flexibility we need to adapt our production in the short to medium term, according to developments in global markets.
“Our decision has been made after close discussion with trade union representatives and we are aware that our plans will have an impact on people during an uncertain and worrying time.
“We have sought to protect as many jobs as we can, while also taking the necessary steps to ensure the stability of our business in light of this current period of volatile and unpredictable market conditions.”