Knowsley Council Leader, Cllr Graham Morgan has welcomed news that the Government will underwrite a £1.5 billion loan guarantee to Jaguar Land Road (JLR). The loan is designed to allow the company to support its suppliers as a cyber-attack continues to stop production.
JLR’s Halewood factory, which directly employs more 3,500 people with many thousands more employed in the supply chain, is one of those sites impacted.
Last week, in a BBC interview, Cllr Morgan called on the Government to step in to help. He said: “My biggest concern is the small and medium-sized businesses which supply parts and services to the Halewood plant – they are under huge financial pressure.
“This is people’s livelihoods. They’ve got to pay their bills, their mortgages and put food on the table for their families, so it should be the number one subject.”
Reacting to the news that the Government will take action to support JLR and its supply chain Cllr Morgan said: “I am so pleased that the Government have listened and that they have not only acknowledged the pressure this is placing on so many businesses and individuals but have taken proactive steps to help.
“Whilst JLR still face uncertainties with this attack I hope this news will at least provide some reassurance for those outside of JLR who are being hugely impacted.”