So once again Rover workers are facing uncertainty now that BMW has put the Swindon Pressings plant up for sale.

While the company says it is in no rush to complete a sale and is in talks with a number of prospective buyers it only means more anxiety for the workforce.

In later editions of yesterday's Evening Advertiser motor trade expert Chris Firth said the latest twist would hasten the end of the Stratton plant in its present form and predicted more job losses, though hopefully not on a large scale.

But the truth of the matter is that some 1,600 jobs have already been pruned from the 3,600-strong workforce over the past two years.

So it's a fair assumption that anyone who wanted to take voluntary redundancy has already done so.

Which leaves the unpleasant but very probable outcome that the next batch of workers to go will be unlikely to have much choice in the matter.

We join Mr Firth in hoping that any redundancies will be kept to the minimum.

And we still believe that the Stratton workers are among the best carmakers in the world. Let's hope their new owners will recognise that.