BMW has announced plans to axe up to 400 jobs at the Mini plant in Oxford.
As the demand for cars has taken a hit and production at the site pausing throughout April, the group has said it will cut 400 of the 950 roles based at the plant.
Those affected will be told in mid-September.
“Like other automotive manufacturers, our volume forecasts for 2020 have had to change accordingly,” said Bob Shankly, the BMW Human Resources Director.
“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.”
Demand in UK sales may have slowly risen during July but total demand remains 41% for the year to date, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Rolls-Royce has also announced that it will close one of its plants, in a new cost-cutting drive to adapt to the fall in sales.