Wed, 17 Sep 2025

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 JLR supply chain staff told to apply for universal credit, union claims

Staff are being laid off with "reduced or zero pay" following a cyber attack, which has forced the carmaker to shut down, Unite union claims.
Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) cyber attack has led to workers in its supply chain being told to apply for universal credit, according to union Unite. Staff are being laid off with reduced or zero pay due to the hack, which has forced JLR to shut down its IT networks and halt production. Unite is calling on the UK government to establish a furlough scheme similar to one introduced by the Scottish government for Alexander Dennis bus makers. The union claims it's the government's responsibility to protect jobs in industries that are vital to the economy. JLR's supply chain supports over 104,000 jobs in the UK and many small and medium-sized firms may not have the resources to cope with an extended interruption to business due to the attack. A criminal investigation into the hack is ongoing. The BBC has contacted the government for comment on Unite's request for a furlough scheme. Liam Byrne MP, chair of the Commons business and trade committee, has written to the chancellor requesting emergency help for suppliers affected by the cyber attack. Production at JLR's three UK factories is currently halted and many staff are staying at home due to the attack. The company delayed restarting production until September 24 as it continues to investigate the hack and considers a "controlled restart" of global operations.
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