Fri, 19 Sep 2025

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 'Labour must step up to help JLR supply chain'

Unite the Union has called on the government to implement a furlough scheme for supply chain workers.
A union has called on the Labour Party to take action and support workers from supply-chain companies affected by Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) shutdown due to a cyber-attack. Unite regional officer Jason Richards said thousands or tens of thousands of people could be laid off if production doesn't resume soon, with 30,000 people employed directly by JLR and an additional 200,000 in the supply chain. Minister for Industry Chris McDonald claimed that JLR is taking the lead on supporting its own supply chain. However, a spokesperson for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said they held a meeting to discuss the challenges faced by suppliers, which included government officials from the Department for Business and Trade. The union has suggested introducing a furlough-type scheme to support workers, but Richards acknowledged that this might not be feasible due to financial constraints. He stated that some employers are already laying off staff without pay or reducing their hours, leaving them vulnerable to poverty. Industry leaders have expressed concern about the impact of the shutdown on smaller businesses in the supply chain, with many warning that they could go bust if support is not provided quickly. Conservative MP Saqib Bhatti has called for a short-term loan scheme and for insurers to handle claims efficiently. The shutdown has been ongoing for over two weeks, with suppliers told production would resume by 24 September at the earliest. Richards expressed concern about the lack of clarity on when operations will start again, saying "I don't want to be pessimistic, but I really am concerned about the issue we find ourselves in."
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