“We know that having secure employment has a major influence on a person’s sense of self worth and helps individuals develop positive relationships with others. I know from my experience as a pastor how difficult it is for individuals to cope with the loss of employment and the effect that has on their families.

“It can have very damaging effects on people’s lives.

“This means we all have a moral duty to act.

“It is surely better to invest in preventing the problem than to have to work to resolve the deeper problems that will follow if action isn’t taken now.”

He adds: “The workforce at the Halewood plant has shown themselves to be dedicated, loyal and hardworking.

“That has been recognised by the commitment that owners Tata have made to investing in JLR.

“That commitment deserves to be matched by the Government responding positively to this campaign.”

JLR chief exec thanks Daily Post

THE chief executive officer of Jaguar Land Rover has written to the Liverpool Daily Post to thank us for our current campaign urging the Government to support the company through the ongoing economic downturn.

David Smith wrote to LDP editor Mark Thomas and his fellow editors at the Liverpool Echo, the Birmingham Post and Mail and the Coventry Telegraph, who are all backing the campaign.

Mr Smith said: “The support that Jaguar Land Rover and the UK car industry has received in recent weeks from your newspapers and websites has been truly incredible and, dare I say, humbling.

“In 25 years in the car industry, and after growing up in the shadow of this great industry, I can honestly say it is unprecedented in my memory.

“I wanted to thank you personally for all the work you and your teams have done.

“I believe you have done a service to your readers, your communities, indeed the country in the work you have done. Thank you.”