The Tata-Owned Jaguar Land Rover Cuts One-Third Of India Staff!

In what can only be described as a shocking bit of development, one of the most revered automakers in the world, the Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover has fired, at least, a third of all its staff in India. Now while we know that things in the corporate world often present baffling surprises, of which layoffs is a common component, it ought to be said, that this is no lame development.

The suddenness and scale of this development is second to none- won’t you agree?

So now the question is- what really happened and why did the Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover executed such a bold and ghastly step, the latter in the context of those who no longer hold their jobs in one of the largest automakers around.

Reports are of the view that the layoffs at the Jaguar Land Rover were a part of the brand’s global strategy, wherein it was predecided to shed no fewer than 2,000 manufacturing jobs by the next fiscal year.

But did a similar action take place in the mega corporate a few years back in time?

It’s rather interesting to note that even back in the year 2018, Jaguar Land Rover had cut its global headcount by 1,000. And that’s not all; the following year, in 2019, the automaker did away with as many as 4,500 (3,500 more than the figure the previous year).

The group’s management, tasked with the key challenge of reinstating growth and fueling further sales, has a big job at its hand, reports confirm. As a matter of fact, the group’s cost-cutting and restructuring drive is actually called Project Charge. Furthermore, the key objective to be achieved herewith is to save the organization as figure as mighty as GBP 2.5 billion.

Now some might even wonder whether the COVID 19 pandemic that arose with zero respite for the broader world is the key driver of this firm change at Jaguar Land Rover?

To that end, it’s important to note that Jaguar Land Rover had been on a cost-reduction spree even before the pandemic struck the corporate world enforcing an atmosphere gripped by financial strife.

That said, if one were to speak specifically about the COVID-19 pandemic, then it can be said in no uncertain terms that the brand dealt with a less than glorious performance in 2020. In fact, it’s hardly believable knowing the market standing and usual sweltering performance of the carmaker that its sales fell by as much as 74 per cent in the luxury car segment.

In lines with the stringent changes currently in action at Jaguar Land Rover, here’s what a company insider had to share: “There were rumours of layoffs since the start of the year, but employees were made to believe that India, which is a very small market for JLR globally, might be spared. So, this has come as a shocker for many.”

The source would further add, ” The sackings are that way surprising even if one looks at the business environment, it is a no brainer. The top management have been left untouched though.”

Meanwhile there are talks within the organization to introduce a string of changes that, besides chalking out a new plan for the brands and vehicles, will deal with re-imagining the entire business of the establishment.