WORKERS at the BMW Mini factory are to be urged to accept an improved pay deal union leaders say is worth almost seven per cent over two years.

Unite said the company had removed "strings" attached to a previous offer, so the union will recommend acceptance in a ballot.

National officer Roger Maddison said: "Talks with the company have been constructive and we now have a pay offer which we can recommend to the workforce.

"We believe the offer recognises the contribution the workers at Oxford make to the continued success of BMW Mini."

Unite assistant general secretary Tony Burke added: "The UK automotive industry has been a ray of light in dark times for British manufacturers.

"The skilled and dedicated UK workforce has made the industry a success story. Their skills and dedication needs to be recognised fairly."

Unite said the offer was worth 4.5 per cent this year and 2.3 per cent in 2013.

The union would not comment on whether its demands to drop a cut in tea breaks was met.