Business secretary visits JLR as shutdown continues

Business Secretary Peter Kyle will visit Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) to meet firms in the supply chain as the beleaguered carmaker extended its shutdown in the wake of a cyber attack.

JLR, the UK's largest carmaker, has extended its pause in production until October 1, having a knock-on impact to the companies that supply it.

Unions have demanded a furlough scheme for workers who are suffering because of the shutdown.

Industry minister Chris 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 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."

The Unite union has called for a furlough scheme for workers in the JLR supply chain.

JLR is currently taking the lead on support for its own supply chain, rather than any state intervention.

The cyber attack hit JLR on August 31 and production has been paused until at least October 1.

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