Fixed holiday times for BMW staff

Workers at BMW's Mini plant in Swindon have been told that they must take leave at fixed times in 2009.

The factory in Wiltshire will stop work for three weeks in the year - one week in February and two weeks in August.

A spokesman for BMW said: "These are challenging times which is why we've introduced these flexible measures to help with a volatile market."

Staff also took a month-long break at Christmas instead of a fortnight after sales for the mini dropped by 58%.

'Best option'

Eddie Wilson, who has worked at the plant for 16 years and is the on-site representative for the Unite union, said: "I wouldn't say we're pleased but I think we all understand the situation that we're in.

"Fortunately for us, we currently have a management system in place which is looking for the best option for both the plant and the individuals who work here.

"That's why the cuts that we've taken have not been as massive as that cuts that our colleagues at Honda have taken."

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Mini sales in the UK fell by more than 32% in December compared to the same month in 2007 and total UK car sales were down by 11% to 2,131,795 for 2008.

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