JLR to cut 4,500 jobs in UK on weak China demand

LONDON: Buffeted by weak demand in China and other uncertainties in the auto industry, the Tata group-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) on Thursday confirmed cutting 4,500 jobs in addition to 1,500 jobs it terminated in 2018.

The announcement raised further Brexit-related concerns in the UK. Automobile companies are among several who have deplored the lack of certainty on the way forward on Brexit scheduled for March 29 this year.

JLR said its next phase of “Charge and Accelerate” transformation programme aims to deliver £2.5 billion in cost reductions and cash flow improvements over 18 months as well as long-term strategic operating efficiencies.

The next phase of the programme is expected to begin with a voluntary redundancy programme in the UK with a view to creating a leaner, more resilient organization with a flatter management structure.

Ralf Speth, chief executive officer of JLR, said: “We are taking decisive action to help deliver long-term growth, in the face of multiple geopolitical and regulatory disruptions as well as technology challenges facing the automotive industry.”

“The ‘Charge and Accelerate’ programme combines efficiency measures with targeted investment, safeguarding our future and ensuring that we maximize the opportunities created by growing demand for autonomous, connected, electric and shared technologies”.