Jaguar Land Rover’s US exports pause causes anxiety in Solihull car-making hub

A warning from the Institute For Public Policy Research that the tariffs could put 25,000 jobs at risk across British car manufacturing is a real concern here.

«It would be devastating to people, it really would,» says Julie, 63.

«If you wipe that off the landscape, a chunk of people that not only work there but the families that have now got no income.»

That’s what is worrying John Constable, who helps run his wife’s family’s carousel business in the town centre.

Ironically, a New York taxi is among the favourite vehicles on the children’s ride.

If parents aren’t earning, the business could grind to a halt.

«People are going to cut back aren’t they?» John says. «They’re going to watch their pennies which we all do […] yes it will have a knock-on effect.»

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He’s worried about a «tit for tat» trade war – but does think the government should keep all options open.

«I would monitor it to start with to see how things start to go and what effect it’s going to have on the economy,» he says.

«Then obviously if it’s going to be devastating then they need to put something in place.»

The Institute For Public Policy Research has issued a warning that the tariffs being imposed could potentially put 25,000 jobs at risk in British car manufacturing, which is causing significant concern in Solihull. Julie, a 63-year-old resident, expressed her worries about the potential impact, stating that the repercussions would be devastating for the workers and their families who rely on these jobs for income.

The decision by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) to halt shipments of cars to the USA has heightened anxiety in the town. With around 10,000 employees at the plant and many more in the supply chain, the potential job losses are a major concern for the community. People on the high street are talking about the situation, with some workers expressing concerns about potential layoffs following previous reductions in agency staff.

Richard Shuttelworth, an 81-year-old former JLR employee with over 30 years of experience, highlighted the company’s significant trade ties with America and the potential job losses if the situation is not resolved. While uncertain about the government’s response, he emphasized the need for a trade deal to prevent further job losses.

John Constable, who operates a carousel business in the town, is also worried about the impact of the tariffs. He noted that if parents are not earning due to job losses, it could lead to a decline in business as people cut back on spending. This could have a ripple effect on the local economy, impacting businesses like his own.

In response to the escalating situation, residents like Shuttelworth are concerned about the possibility of a «tit for tat» trade war and emphasize the importance of monitoring the situation closely. While acknowledging the need for government intervention if the economic impact is severe, they also stress the importance of pursuing a trade deal to mitigate potential job losses.

Solihull has a rich history of car manufacturing, and the potential loss of thousands of jobs due to tariffs is a significant threat to the local economy. Residents and businesses alike are anxiously awaiting a resolution to the trade dispute to prevent further job losses and economic downturn in the town. «They will be cautious with their spending, as we all are… yes, it will have a ripple effect.»

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