Unite Warns Labour: Urgent Action Needed to Save JLR Supply Chain Jobs

Labour Must Step Up to Help JLR Supply Chain Jobs, Says Unite In a stark warning, the union Unite has urged the Labour Party to take decisive action to support workers from supply-chain firms affected by Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) prolonged shutdown following a cyber-attack. The car-maker's production lines have been idle for over two weeks, with concerns growing that some companies reliant on JLR's business could go bust without assistance. According to Jason Richards, Unite's regional officer for the West Midlands, thousands or tens of thousands of people could be laid off if there is no positive news from JLR, which has plants in Wolverhampton, Solihull, and Merseyside. "The Labour Party needs to step up and provide support to these workers," Richards said. "We cannot afford to see entire communities devastated by the collapse of companies that have been loyal suppliers to JLR for years." Minister for Industry Chris McDonald acknowledged the gravity of the situation but emphasized that JLR was taking the lead on supporting its own supply chain. "Cyber experts continue to support JLR to resolve the issue as quickly as possible," McDonald said. The shutdown has significant implications for the region, with West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker expressing concerns about the impact on local businesses and residents. Yesterday, Parker met with McDonald to discuss the crisis and agreed to maintain close contact while JLR works to resolve the issue. JLR's reliance on its supply chain is a critical aspect of its business model. The company's suppliers provide essential components, including engines, transmissions, and electronics, which are then integrated into JLR's vehicles. Without these components, production comes to a standstill, affecting not only JLR but also its suppliers and their employees. The cyber-attack that triggered the shutdown is believed to have been sophisticated, with experts speculating that it may have originated from outside the UK. The incident highlights the vulnerability of modern industrial systems to cyber threats and underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures. As the situation unfolds, Unite's Richards reiterated the urgency of the situation: "We cannot afford to wait any longer for JLR to resolve this issue. The Labour Party must take action now to protect these workers and their families." Background Jaguar Land Rover is one of the UK's largest automotive manufacturers, employing over 40,000 people across its operations in the West Midlands and Merseyside. The company's supply chain is extensive, with hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) providing critical components. The cyber-attack that triggered the shutdown has been described as a "complex" incident, with experts working around the clock to resolve the issue. While JLR has not disclosed the extent of the damage, insiders suggest that the company's systems have been severely compromised. Additional Perspectives Industry analysts warn that the prolonged shutdown could have far-reaching consequences for the UK automotive sector. "The impact on suppliers and their employees will be devastating if this situation is not resolved quickly," said one analyst. "It's essential that the Labour Party takes decisive action to support these workers." As the situation continues to unfold, Unite's Richards remains resolute: "We will continue to push for support from the Labour Party until these workers are protected." *Reporting by Bbc.*