WORKERS at the Cowley Mini plant have not been affected by the Japanese earthquake, according to both management and union leaders.

There were concerns that stocks of a key gearbox component imported from Japan would run out, leading the plant to switch to short-time working.

They were fuelled after Tim Abbott, UK managing director of Mini’s parent company BMW, last week warned they only had enough stock to last seven to 10 days.

The firm said it was now looking for an alternative supplier, although it remained unclear what would happen if the stock ran out before a new source was found.

Plant union convenor Chris Bond said it was “business as usual” while bosses insisted production was normal.

Mr Bond said: “As far as we know we have enough spares and we are looking at the situation on a weekly basis.

“We are being updated regularly and if the situation changes, the workforce here will be the first to know.”

Mini spokesman Sarah Heaney said: “Production at the Mini plant remains as normal but our logistics team is monitoring the situation constantly.”

Many car makers have already put UK workers on short time due to supply problems from Japan, including Honda in Swindon.

Mr Abbott said BMW had repatriated 50 employees and their families from Japan. The company has also donated £866,000 to victims of the earthquake.