Minister to Discuss Jaguar Land Rover Job Cuts Amidst Rising Concerns

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is gearing up to meet with the executives of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and the Unite union to address the looming

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is gearing up to meet with the executives of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and the Unite union to address the looming threat of mass job cuts at the iconic car manufacturer. This meeting comes in the wake of JLR’s recent announcement regarding a voluntary redundancy program, following a devastating cyber attack that had previously halted production for more than a month. The figures are staggering; while JLR has yet to confirm specific numbers, reports suggest that up to 4,000 jobs could be on the chopping block due to the dual impacts of tariffs and declining sales.

Reynolds expressed to the BBC that a company as significant as JLR, a true British success story, will experience fluctuations in employment depending on various phases of its business cycle. “This is the conversation we need to have,” he emphasized, alluding to the necessity of addressing job security. However, he was clear that there would be no government bailout for the company, although he hinted at the possibility of a “long-term investment in the future” to support those jobs at risk.

The situation has drawn sharp criticism, with some political figures arguing that the government’s growth strategy is failing to deliver. A spokesperson has indicated that the government is looking to “simplify” business operations and “improve efficiency and build greater resilience.” Compulsory redundancies haven’t been ruled out, raising eyebrows and concerns among workers and their families.

Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, voiced that the union has been sounding the alarm about a “perfect storm” brewing for the automotive sector. “This has been a death by a thousand cuts happening right under the noses of successive governments,” she stated with urgency. The automotive industry is under pressure, particularly with intensified electric vehicle sales targets requiring manufacturers to ensure a growing percentage of zero-emission vehicles by 2030. The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting.

One of Reynolds’ first actions as business secretary was to grant the industry more flexibility to navigate these challenges. He mentioned ongoing consultations aimed at refining this approach. “It’s not where it needs to be, and that’s why we are here,” he added, highlighting the pressing need for action. The West Midlands mayor, Richard Parker, has also been involved in discussions about how to support both JLR and its workforce during these turbulent times.

In July, JLR had suggested that under its cost-saving measures, fewer than 300 employees would be let go. However, the company employs around 30,000 people in the UK and an additional 10,000 overseas, making the stakes much higher than previously anticipated. The cyber attack in September 2025 wreaked havoc, shutting down all manufacturing operations at JLR for several weeks, leading to a catastrophic 27% drop in overall production. The financial toll of the attack and the subsequent halt in manufacturing was estimated at £1.9 billion. In June, the company announced plans to cut approximately £1.7 billion in costs over the next few years to aid its recovery efforts, signaling a shift in operational priorities that could have far-reaching implications.

As the situation continues to develop, many are left wondering: what will become of these jobs and the future of JLR? The coming days will be crucial in determining the fate of thousands of employees and the company’s standing in the competitive automotive market.

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Jaguar Land Rover Announces Job Cuts Amid Economic Challenges

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the renowned car manufacturer headquartered in Coventry, has confirmed it will initiate a voluntary redundancy program. This

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the renowned car manufacturer headquartered in Coventry, has confirmed it will initiate a voluntary redundancy program. This announcement comes just a year after a significant cyber attack that halted production for over a month, leaving many workers on edge. The company is looking to save approximately £1.7 billion over the next two years as it aims to adapt to “evolving global market conditions,” streamline its organization, and enhance efficiency and resilience, as stated by a company spokesperson.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham expressed grave concerns, stating that the union had been alerting about a “perfect storm.” She lamented the ongoing “death by a thousand cuts” that has unfolded under the noses of successive governments. Des Quinn, a Unite national officer, highlighted that these job cuts could have severe implications for families and communities dependent on the automotive industry, which has long been a cornerstone of the UK’s economy.

In light of these issues, a government spokesperson mentioned that significant actions have been taken to assist the UK automotive industry, including lowering electricity bills for manufacturers and providing official support for the manufacture and sale of zero-emission vehicles. Meanwhile, discussions have reportedly taken place between JLR executives and West Midlands mayor Richard Parker regarding the support of the business and its employees.

Over the past three years, JLR has focused on strengthening its brands and preparing for the production of its next generation of vehicles. Back in July, the company anticipated that fewer than 300 positions would be affected by the cost-saving measures. This is a stark contrast to the current situation, where the future looks increasingly uncertain.

The firm employs about 30,000 people in the UK, with around 10,000 more at its overseas plants. The cyber attack in September 2025 was particularly devastating, leading to a complete shutdown of manufacturing for several weeks—resulting in a staggering 27% drop in overall production. This incident marked a significant low point for the company, and it raised alarms throughout the automotive sector.

As Jaguar Land Rover grapples with these challenges, the question remains: how will the company navigate through this turbulent period and what will it mean for its workforce and the industry at large?

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Uber’s Major Restructuring: 10% Workforce Cut Amid Ambitious Growth Plans

Uber is cutting about 10% of its global workforce as part of a significant restructuring effort to streamline its operations. This bold move is set t

Uber is cutting about 10% of its global workforce as part of a significant restructuring effort to streamline its operations. This bold move is set to affect around 3,300 jobs, primarily in management roles, as the company aims to eliminate unnecessary layers of management, reduce the number of small teams, and encourage more employees to return to the office. Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi shared with employees that the goal is to create a leaner organization that allows for clearer ownership, quicker decision-making, and more time focused on building the business rather than merely coordinating it.

As of the end of 2025, Uber had roughly 34,000 employees, according to its latest annual report. This downsizing reflects the company’s pivot towards investing more in growth and innovation, particularly in areas like autonomous rides and support for drivers, couriers, and merchants. The competition in the robotaxi market, especially against big players like Waymo and Tesla, is heating up, and Uber is keen to position itself at the forefront. Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, pointed out that Uber is looking to funnel cash into these areas as it faces stiff competition in food delivery as well.

When Euronews reached out to Uber to inquire about the number of jobs at risk in Europe, the company declined to specify how many positions would be affected or which offices might be impacted. This lack of clarity is a bit concerning, considering that Uber does not provide a breakdown of its workforce by region, leaving the actual number of employees in Europe, including the UK, uncertain. Khosrowshahi mentioned that those affected have already been notified, with exceptions in countries where Uber must adhere to local procedures—meaning some employees might not find out their fate until legal consultations are completed.

Looking ahead, Uber is also hopeful for a boost in its food-delivery business post-acquisition of Berlin-based Delivery Hero, a deal that was sealed in July. However, the company’s U.S. operations appear to be a greater priority for improvement as it has lost ground to rival DoorDash. “Uber hopes its large existing customer base can give it the edge in its robotaxi drive and has received permits from Transport for London to launch a commercial trial with UK partner Wayve,” Hewson added.

Founded back in 2009, Uber’s journey from a simple ride-hailing platform to a sprawling business that delivers food, retail products, and courier services is quite remarkable. After going public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2019, its market value was around $157 billion based on its share price this past Thursday. However, the current restructuring appears to primarily impact corporate roles that mainly focus on coordinating work across different teams. Uber is also trimming down management positions by 20%, although some managers may transition to non-management roles rather than exit the company altogether.

Moreover, the company has reduced the number of employees working more than seven management levels below the CEO by 20%. It has also slashed the number of “micro-teams” that consisted of managers overseeing just one or two people—almost halving that number. Importantly, these changes don’t mean every employee in those roles is getting fired; rather, roles may have shifted, and some staff may now report through a simpler management structure.

In a bid to enhance efficiency, Uber is consolidating its three delivery operations teams that handle restaurants, retail, and direct deliveries. These divisions will now operate through combined teams at global, regional, and country levels, aiming to eliminate duplicated efforts and expedite decision-making. Additionally, the Core Services Engineering and Science teams will also merge to streamline operations further.

It’s noteworthy that these cuts apply exclusively to Uber’s employees, not to its drivers and couriers, who are generally classified as independent contractors. The company also plans to centralize its workforce in fewer main offices, with global teams primarily based in New York and San Francisco while regional and national teams will operate from selected hubs. Employees currently working fully remotely will be encouraged to transition to office environments, with only about 1% of employees expected to work remotely in the future. A stricter enforcement of the existing hybrid-working policy—requiring staff to spend three days a week in the office—is also on the cards.

In a separate announcement, Uber confirmed it would be shutting down its operations in Nigeria and Uganda, following its earlier exit from Tanzania this year. Interestingly, Uber’s share price saw a rise shortly after these changes were unveiled on Wednesday.

What’s next for Uber? Will these drastic measures pay off in the long run?

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Volkswagen’s Bold Move: Up to 100,000 Jobs at Risk Worldwide!

Volkswagen Group, the German automotive giant, is gearing up for some serious changes. In a shocking announcement, the company’s chief executive, Ol

Volkswagen Group, the German automotive giant, is gearing up for some serious changes. In a shocking announcement, the company’s chief executive, Oliver Blume, revealed that it plans to cut up to 100,000 jobs globally – double the figure previously mentioned. This isn’t just a minor adjustment; it’s a significant shift that could affect many. The group, which includes well-known brands like Porsche, Audi, Seat, and Skoda, had initially stated it would eliminate around 50,000 positions in Germany by 2030. But now, the stakes are getting higher.

Last year, Volkswagen faced a steep decline in profits, fueled by plummeting sales in crucial markets and fierce competition from emerging Chinese brands that are making waves in Europe. In a memo that made the rounds among staff, Blume emphasized that they are currently evaluating how many adjustments are truly necessary across all brands and regions. He pointed out that the company has struggled to maintain its profitability in recent years. Back in 2023, Volkswagen reported an operating profit of €22.6 billion, but that figure took a nosedive to just €8.9 billion last year. Ouch!

The group’s struggles are particularly evident in China, once a goldmine for sales. In the first half of this year, sales in China dropped a staggering 26% compared to the previous year. And it’s not just China; in the US market, sales plummeted by more than 7%, partly due to tariffs on car imports that were introduced during the Trump administration. Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturers are charging ahead into international markets, armed with new technologies and lower production costs that put pressure on established brands like Volkswagen to rein in their own expenses and protect their profit margins.

Now, let’s take a step back. In late 2024, after threats of mass strikes, VW came to an agreement with the German trade union IG Metall to cut 35,000 jobs at its iconic brand by 2030 in a manner deemed “socially responsible.” This was no easy feat, considering the supervisory board includes both labor representatives and company managers. Some analysts suggest that Volkswagen might have used the 100,000 figure as a bargaining chip, hinting that the final number of cuts could be lower than initially projected. Talk about a high-stakes game!

Germany’s once-thriving automobile industry is now in a crisis, and the question on everyone’s mind is: what will it take to turn things around? As Volkswagen navigates through these turbulent waters, the future remains uncertain. What steps will they take next, and how will this shakeup affect the employees, the industry, and the market as a whole? One thing is for sure: the coming months will be crucial in determining Volkswagen’s fate in this ever-evolving automotive landscape.

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber