It has been widely reported that Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will be cutting 4,500 jobs worldwide and that some of those job losses could be at the JLR Plant in Halewood. Jaguar Land Rover have stated that a reduction in sales to China and a crash in diesel car sales due to Government policy and concern about diesel’s impact on air quality has reduced their profits this year leading to the need for “cost reductions”. Having spoken to JLR representatives they have assured me they are committed to their UK car plants and that job losses will be voluntary and focused on management, admin and marketing roles rather than production line staff. Nevertheless any job losses are extremely unwelcome, particularly for those people affected.

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While it is a relief to have such strong assurances from Jaguar Land Rover I worry that this is a sign of things to come with Ford recently announcing that they will also be cutting jobs in the UK. I am also very concerned that uncertainty over Brexit can only make matters worse for manufacturing in our area, this would have a huge impact here in Garston and Halewood where 22% of all jobs are in manufacturing.

I will closely monitor this situation as it develops and work closely with JLR, Unions, Knowsley Council Leader Graham Morgan and Regional Mayor Steve Rotheram to protect jobs in Halewood. If you work at the Halewood Plant or have concerns about the job losses please contact my office directly using this number – 0151 448 1167