Despite Jaguar Land Rover restart, workers face huge financial and emotional pressures

Thousands of supply chain staff and families facing weeks without pay urged to contact bespoke helpline to access support.

The Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund (Ben) is offering bespoke support to the thousands of people affected by the ongoing cyber attack at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).

Since 1 September, JLR has experienced a cyber attack that has shut down production at its three manufacturing sites in the UK. The estimated number of people impacted is 120,000, including 50-75,000 supply chain workers, 30-40,000 family members and 5-8,000 agency staff.

Ben has launched a bespoke campaign, offering practical and emotional support, guiding employers and workers to all the financial and mental health help that is available to support those impacted by the cyber attack.

Following JLR’s announcement yesterday that some computer systems would be restarted and efforts to address the backlog of payments have begun, Rachel Clift, CEO at Ben, said:

"The impact of the cyber attack has already been deeply felt across the supplier workforce and the need for support remains urgent. While JLR’s update is a positive step towards recovery, there has been no indication of compensation for suppliers who were forced to shut down production.

“For many, this means starting up again after almost a month without work – a challenge that brings its own financial and emotional pressures. Small and medium-sized suppliers in particular face significant hurdles: cashflow disruption, staff who may have gone weeks without pay and the practical and emotional strain of restarting operations at pace. These difficulties risk leaving workers and families in very vulnerable positions.

“We want everyone affected to know that help is here and support is available. Whether it’s financial assistance, mental health support, or practical advice, we are committed to standing alongside the automotive community as it navigates this difficult period."

The pause in production at JLR has already had a significant impact on the UK economy. It has added to the rapid decline in productivity for the UK’s manufacturing sector.

Rachel Clift continues:

"Once this cyber attack ends, it will be vital that production can start again at pace. This will require a resilient workforce across JLR and its supply chain. We want to work alongside the UK Government and other key stakeholders to ensure that all the necessary support is in place for workers to restart production without barriers."

Anyone affected by the JLR cyber attack can access support from Ben by visiting www.ben.org.uk/cyber-attack, emailing jlrsupport@ben.org.uk, or calling Ben’s helpline on 0808 131 1333.