Chancellor Rachel Reeves has commented on the Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack that devastated the iconic British manufacturer, pledging to continue working closely with the brand.

Speaking earlier today, the Chancellor confirmed that the Government was working alongside Jaguar Land Rover and the wider supply chain to support workers.

Jaguar Land Rover has been dealing with IT and production issues since it was hit by a cyber attack at the end of August and the start of September.

It announced earlier this week that it would continue its production shutdown until Wednesday, October 1, as it continues to deal with the fallout of the hack.

Jaguar Land Rover, which is one of the UK’s largest automotive employers, has previously warned that some data may have been compromised in the attack.

Reports have also surfaced that the Government is planning to support the automotive manufacturer, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves now providing an update.

The Labour MP for Leeds West and Pudsey said: “We’re working very closely with Jaguar Land Rover, but not just with the company, but also with the wider supply chain.

“The Business and Trade Secretary, Peter Kyle, was in the West Midlands with Jaguar Land Rover and also with many of their suppliers yesterday.

READ MORE: Jaguar Land Rover ‘failed to finalise cyber insurance deal’ before attack as UK car production slumps

“It’s a company I know well. It’s the company the Prime Minister knows well, the National Cyber Security Centre is in with Jaguar Land Rover and have been since this cyber-attack on them.”

The Chancellor said the Government’s focus was now on getting the businesses back up and running “as quickly as possible”.

She added that the Government was “doing everything we can” to support Jaguar Land Rover and the wider supply chain.

Jaguar Land Rover has been working alongside the National Cyber Security Centre to assess the impact of the cyber attack since the start of the month.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• BYD reaches ‘remarkable’ UK milestone as Chinese brand continues rapid global expansion
• Labour’s 2030 car ban could push thousands off the road as campaigners slam ‘patchy’ driving rules
• Demands grow for Rachel Reeves to make changes to speeding fines despite drivers ‘bearing the costs’

The UK’s largest union, Unite, has called for a Covid-style furlough scheme to be introduced to protect members of the JLR supply chain as their jobs may be impacted by the continued shutdown.

JLR’s factories in Wolverhampton, Coventry and Halewood have been shut since the start of the month, while companies in the supply chain are also dealing with issues.

Experts have warned that the production shutdown could last for the coming weeks and months and leave Jaguar Land Rover with a massive bill.

Responsibility for the cyber attack has been claimed by an English-speaking hacking collective who are believed to be behind the hack of Marks and Spencer, which is estimated to have cost the brand around £300million in profits.

It is yet unclear whether Jaguar Land Rover will restart production in October, despite the production shutdown being extended until the start of the month.

JLR said: “We have made this decision to give clarity for the coming week as we build the timeline for the phased restart of our operations and continue our investigation.

“Our teams continue to work around the clock alongside cybersecurity specialists, the NCSC and law enforcement to ensure we restart in a safe and secure manner.

“Our focus remains on supporting our customers, suppliers, colleagues, and our retailers, who remain open. We fully recognise this is a difficult time for all connected with JLR and we thank everyone for their continued support and patience.”