JLR supply chain workers impacted by cyberattack must receive government support, says Unite

Thousands of workers in the JLR supply chain are at risk of losing their livelihoods unless the government steps in with a furlough scheme to support them.

Unite, the UK's automotive union, said that a scheme must be introduced as soon as possible to ensure workers' jobs remain open during the time it takes for JLR to recover its operations.

The union has already had reports that supply chain workers impacted by the cyberattack at JLR are being laid off.

The severity of the delays means the banked hours agreements that usually accompany supply chain manufacturing shutdowns are not adequate.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The government needs to defend jobs when our industries are under attack.

“Many UK workers in small and medium automotive manufacturers are already facing insecurity because of the low volume crisis in the sector. Thousands of these workers in the JLR supply chain now find their jobs are under an immediate threat because of the cyber-attack.

“Ministers need to act fast and introduce a furlough scheme to ensure that vital jobs and skills are not lost while JLR and its supply chain get back on their feet.”

Unite national officer Des Quinn said: “Directly employed JLR workers are not at risk of losing their jobs and Unite is working with the company to ensure that staff receive their wages while the company recovers its operations.”