Endorsement for Tata's bid came after union bosses met representatives of Tata and the other two bidders left on the shortlist in the race to own the two brands - a second Indian vehicle maker, Mahindra & Mahindra, and private equity firm One Equity.

In a statement, joint general secretary of the Unite union Tony Woodley said shop stewards at Jaguar and Land Rover had made clear their preference to stay as part of Ford. But if a sale was decided, they feel the best interests of the workforce would be served by a partner with an established presence and background in automobile manufacturing.