Business Secretary Peter Kyle will visit Jaguar Land Rover today as the UK's largest carmaker extends its production shutdown following a cyber attack. The company has pushed back its restart date until October 1, causing significant disruption to its supply chain partners.
Unions have called for a government furlough scheme to support workers affected by the extended closure. The shutdown is having a knock-on impact on companies that supply JLR, with many facing financial losses through no fault of their own.
Government response
Industry minister Chris McDonald said the government has two key priorities during the crisis. McDonald said: "We have two priorities, helping Jaguar Land Rover get back up and running as soon as possible and the long-term health of the supply chain."
The minister outlined the government's immediate response to the ongoing disruption. McDonald said: "The Business Secretary and I are visiting JLR today to host companies in the supply chain, to listen to workers and hear how we can support them and help get production back online. We are acutely aware of the difficulties the stoppage is causing for those suppliers and their staff, many of whom are already taking a financial hit through no fault of their own - and we will do everything we can to reassure them that the Government is on their side."
Union calls and company response
The Unite union has specifically called for a furlough scheme to protect workers in JLR's supply chain. Currently, JLR is taking the lead on supporting its own supply chain rather than relying on state intervention.
The cyber attack struck JLR on August 31, forcing the carmaker to pause production. The company has now confirmed that the shutdown will continue until at least October 1.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
