Jaguar Land Rover suspends work at its UK plant due to coronavirus – four weeks after production restarted at its factory in China
- Production at Jaguar Land Rover’s UK plants will shut down over the next week
- Management said they hoped car production will be resumed on April 20
- Jaguar Land Rover’s plants in Brazil and India will continue to produce cars
- The company’s joint venture plant in China is also back in operation
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Car giant Jaguar Land Rover is to suspend production at its UK plants because of the coronavirus crisis.
The company said production will be temporarily halted over the course of next week, with the intention to resume on April 20, subject to review of the ‘rapidly-changing circumstances.’
A company statement said: ‘As a responsible business, Jaguar Land Rover is operating in line with advice from the NHS and Public Health England to minimise the spread of the coronavirus, whilst implementing plans to safeguard its business continuity.
Jaguar Land Rover is temporarily halting production at all of its UK factories in response to the current coronavirus epidemic
Jaguar Land Rover’s plants in India and Brazil will continue production while a joint venture in China is also resuming operation after a temporary closure as a result of coronavirus
Jaguar Land Rover said they hope to resume production in April 22 depending on the threat posed by coronavirus
‘The company will work towards an orderly return to production once conditions permit.
‘Currently, Jaguar Land Rover’s manufacturing plants in Brazil and India continue operating. The company’s joint venture plant in China reopened in the week of February 24, as life begins to get back to normal in the country.
‘Although the company’s focus must be on its business and responsibilities to employees, Jaguar Land Rover is doing whatever it can to support its communities through the current situation.SSSSSSSSSS
‘The company’s thoughts are with those directly affected by Covid-19 and with the healthcare professionals, whose role in combating this virus is appreciated by all.’
The firm has plants across the UK, including Castle Bromwich, Solihull, and Halewood.
Other firms including BMW, Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Vauxhall have already halted production in the UK.
Unite national officer Des Quinn said: ‘Our members will continue working to deliver customers’ cars until the company brings production to a controlled stop due to the multiple factors caused by the current critical condition the country is contending with.
‘Due to the agreements previously signed by Unite, workers will continue to be fully paid while they are stood down.’
It comes as Chancellor Rishi Sunak plans to announce more emergency measures for workers.
He has been under pressure from Labour, unions and even senior Tory MPs to do more to help workers and the stalling economy weather the crisis.
He will reveal new measures on Friday at the daily Covid-19 press conference in Downing Street, where he is expected to be joined by Mr Johnson.
All pubs, restaurants, cinemas and gyms across London could also be closed as the Government ramps up its efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Mr Johnson is expected to impose the measures at a meeting of officials on Friday afternoon, according to reports.
Shops, however, are likely to be able to remain open for the time being.
According to Trade Union Unite, workers will continue to be paid during the shut down