Unite has called for the government to introduce a furlough scheme for workers in the Jaguar Land Rover supply chain who have been affected by the recent cyberattack on the car manufacturer. The union argues that thousands of workers should receive support similar to measures announced this week for staff at bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis.
Workers across the JLR supply chain are facing layoffs with reduced or no pay following the cyberattack. Some affected employees are being advised to apply for universal credit as their income has been cut or eliminated entirely.
Government support demanded
The union is demanding that ministers replicate the Scottish government's approach to supporting Alexander Dennis staff. Unite believes this model should be extended to protect workers whose livelihoods have been disrupted through no fault of their own.
Sharon Graham, Unite's general secretary, said: "Workers in the JLR supply chain must not be made to pay the price for the cyberattack. It is the government's responsibility to protect jobs and industries that are a vital part of the economy. Ministers should take the lead from the Scottish government's support package for Alexander Dennis staff and implement a similar scheme for workers in the JLR supply chain now."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
