Jaguar Land Rover to shut all UK production plants

Luxury car maker Jaguar Land Rover is to shut down its Merseyside and West Midlands production plants in a bid to stem the spread of coronavirus.

The group, which employs around 14,000 staff in the UK, will close its sites next week for a period of three weeks.

This is in addition to the nine-day closure period it announced earlier this month at its Halewood plant on Merseyside which it described as a “planned non-production period” to adjust production schedules at the plant.

The latest closure was conveyed to staff through an email on Thursday night which told staff the closure was needed to protect the business.

The email, from JLR’s executive director, Grant McPherson, said: “Taking advice from Jaguar Land Rover’s in-house Chief Medical Officer and as well as the UK Government, we have made the decision to come to a controlled stop for part of week 13, then for weeks 14, 15 & 16.

“The exact date and time will differ by plant and will be briefed locally by your director – please look out for the communication.

“We plan to start up again week 17, we have decided to plan for this date but we know that the situation in the UK is evolving fast.”

However, the car maker said some essential work will need to be carried out during the closure, and Mr McPherson’s email added: “For those employees who we will need to work during this time, we will follow all the necessary guidelines to protect them.”

It went on: “You, our people make this business. It’s understandable that many of you feel anxious about your health, livelihoods and our future and at this time, I urge everyone to remain calm.

“It always inspires me when I see our team in manufacturing pull together showing that fighting spirit and belief in our future.

“Now, more than ever, I can’t emphasise enough the need to come together as a team, look out for each other and protect our incredible business.”

Earlier this month JLR revealed that its sales in China fell dramatically by 85% in February as the coronavirus outbreak gripped the country.

It said just a fifth of dealers were open at the beginning of the month – a figure which has since improved to more than 80%.

The firm said it expects Chinese sales to recover “gradually”, but that other overseas markets are set to suffer as the virus spreads throughout the world.

A further statement issued by the company this morning said: “In light of the ongoing coronavirus situation, Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed that it will temporarily suspend production at its UK manufacturing facilities over the course of next week.

“The company’s intention is to resume in the week of 20 April, subject to review of the rapidly-changing circumstances.

“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.

“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 24 February, 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.

“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.”