ANOTHER of Oxford's largest employers could be headed for the picket line as crisis talks get under way in a row over pensions.

Unite chief Len McCluskey was at the BMW Group Plant, Cowley, yesterday to take part in two days of negotiations aimed at averting a walkout.

The firm, which manufacturers the iconic Mini car, is proposing to close its final salary pension scheme for future renewal in favour of a defined contribution scheme from May 31, which would affect some 2,000 employees.

McCluskey said that he was fully prepared to call for industrial action and begin balloting as early as Friday if negotiations didn't go the union's way.

He said: “BMW has decided to close the pension scheme which is an outrage.

“We will be backing our members and are ready to try industrial action if the company don’t take a step back.

“There are two days of negotiations until Tuesday. I will be meeting with the company and hopefully they will listen to us.”

The plant employs some 4,500 people, including staff from more than 20 EU countries.

The latest escalation comes after Unite warned in September that Brexit could lead to 'horrendous' job losses at the plant if the firm was to move away from its Oxford facility.

In response, BMW group spokesman Steven Wrelton said that discussions were ongoing.

He said: "BMW Group has always prided itself in providing excellent pensions for all its staff and wants to act now to protect future pension provision.

"Constructive discussions are ongoing and the company continues to consider feedback, and a counter proposal, outlined by the union during the recent consultation period."

Negotiations are set to conclude on Tuesday and Unite has said it will ballot its members on Friday if an agreement cannot be reached.