Combined Authority responds to job losses at Jaguar Land Rover

Combined Authority leaders today met with management from Jaguar Land Rover at their Halewood plan to establish how plans to cut 5,000 jobs from its current UK workforce, will affect the local workforce.

Speaking following the meeting, Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“This morning, I visited Jaguar Land Rover to be updated about the current situation at first hand. Clearly this is a very disappointing situation and worrying for everyone concerned. In spite of the fundamental strengths of the Halewood plant, there are a number of strategic economic reasons for the company’s current challenges, ranging from a slump in diesel sales, to the US-China trade war, and ongoing uncertainty around Brexit.

“Locally, there are obviously limits to what the Combined Authority can do to tackle those issues but we have offered our full assistance and we will do all we can to support the company and its workers at this difficult time. What this latest news very clearly underlines is the absolute, over-riding importance of avoiding a no-deal Brexit and the economic catastrophe it would unleash on our country.”

Councillor Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said:

“Naturally the news coming out of Jaguar Land Rover is of great concern to me and everyone involved. JLR is a major employer here in Knowsley and plays an important role in our economy – not just in terms of employing local people but also the positive impact it has on the local supply chain in Knowsley and the wider city region.

“The company has invested £750 million its Halewood facility in recent years and its impact on our borough and the region as a whole cannot be underestimated. Along with Steve, I have today met with management at the Halewood plant and offered our commitment to work with them and support them in any way we can during the coming months.”