Labour Urged to Act on JLR Supply Chain Crisis After Cyber-Attack

Labour Must Step Up to Help JLR Supply Chain Jobs, Says Unite A union has called on the Labour Party to take 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 bankrupt 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. The company has plants in Wolverhampton, Solihull, and Merseyside. "We need Labour to step up and help these workers," Richards said. "The government must act quickly to prevent a disaster for the supply chain and the communities that rely on it." Minister for Industry Chris McDonald responded by saying JLR was taking the lead on support for its own supply chain. He added that cyber experts continued to support JLR to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Background and Context Jaguar Land Rover's shutdown has had a significant impact on the region, with many workers facing uncertainty about their jobs. The company's reliance on its supply chain means that any disruption can have far-reaching consequences for local businesses and communities. The cyber-attack is believed to be one of the most severe in recent history, with experts working around the clock to resolve the issue. While JLR has not disclosed the extent of the damage, it is clear that the shutdown will have a significant impact on the company's operations and supply chain. Additional Perspectives West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker met with Minister McDonald yesterday to discuss the effect of the shutdown on the region. The two agreed to keep in close touch while JLR works to resolve the issue. "The shutdown at Jaguar Land Rover is having a devastating impact on our region," Parker said. "We need urgent action from the government and JLR to support workers and businesses affected by this crisis." Current Status and Next Developments The situation remains uncertain, with no clear timeline for when production will resume. Unite has called on Labour to take action to prevent a disaster for the supply chain and the communities that rely on it. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the impact of JLR's shutdown will be felt far beyond the company itself. The consequences of inaction could be severe, with thousands or tens of thousands of people facing job losses. The Labour Party must now decide whether to step up and help workers from supply-chain firms affected by JLR's shutdown. The clock is ticking, and the fate of many jobs hangs in the balance. *Reporting by Bbc.*