EMPLOYEES have returned to work at the Mini plant in Cowley.

An agency worker at the plant told the Oxford Mail that production restarted on Monday with lots of two metre distancing in place and face masks for all staff.

However, with assembly workers set to return soon, the source said that there was 'very little chance' of workers staying two metres apart.

A spokesperson for Mini said that in Oxford, full production would resume on Monday, May 18.

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They added: "Globally we are taking a staggered approach to ramping up our production locations again.

"Over the past and coming weeks, plants worldwide were scheduled to join the component plants and the relaunched facilities in China by resuming series production.

"In the preparation of our restart, a detailed review of our site has taken place with a number of new measures implemented to protect our people and to ensure compliance with Government guidance.

"Protective measures are focused in all areas, just to name a few: rules for 'pedestrian one-way traffic' will be introduced for narrow walkways, markings on the floor will be in place and break areas will also be enlarged, where needed."