UK Considers JLR Supplier Financial Aid

The BBC reported on September 25, 2025, that the UK government is considering financial support for suppliers to Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) after a cyberattack forced the carmaker to halt production. The shutdown, which began after a cyberattack on August 31, has been extended until at least October 1, prompting fears that smaller firms in JLR's supply chain could go bankrupt without assistance. The production stoppage is estimated to cost JLR at least £50 million per week. Normally, the affected UK factories in Solihull, Halewood, and Wolverhampton produce over 1,000 cars daily.

The government is exploring several options to prevent the collapse of supplier businesses, many of which rely solely on JLR. One possibility involves the government buying component parts from suppliers and selling them back to JLR once production resumes. Another option is offering government-backed loans, though this is reportedly unpopular with the suppliers themselves. Unions have called for a COVID-style furlough scheme, but ministers are not expected to approve this due to the high cost. The government's National Cyber Security Centre is working with JLR to help restore production.