In July of the previous year, I visited GMB members working in the ceramics industry in Stoke-On-Trent, UK. Accompanied by activist Sharon Yates, we toured Dunoon, a renowned cup manufacturer located just outside the city.
Sharon, a seasoned industry worker, is part of the 20,000 individuals employed in Britain’s potteries, locally known as ‘the Pots’. With six generations immersed in the trade, she understands the significance of pottery to the Midlands’ working-class community. Working alongside her daughter and granddaughter, Sharon represents the dedicated workforce sustaining families and homes.
The ceramics sector in Britain contributes around £2 billion to the economy, supporting 22,000 jobs nationwide. Renowned for its quality, British ceramic companies and their skilled workers are admired globally, with Stoke-On-Trent recognized as the birthplace of modern industrial ceramics.
Despite its esteemed legacy, the industry faces challenges in remaining competitive. Several major companies, including iconic brands like Wedgewood and Denby, have recently announced job cuts, plant closures, or other setbacks. The primary issue lies in the high production costs attributed to the country’s energy policies.
This predicament highlights a uniquely British struggle, where an industry with vast potential is at risk due to reluctance in making necessary policy changes. While the current government has shown prompt action in safeguarding jobs in other sectors like steel, the ceramic industry appears overlooked.
With the Labour party now overseeing governance, there is hope for proactive measures to support British workers. The Industry Supercharger scheme offers a solution to alleviate energy costs for energy-intensive industries like ceramics, yet its extension remains pending for the pottery sector.
Failure to address this crucial matter could lead to long-lasting repercussions for the country. By heeding industry demands and implementing cost-effective solutions, the government can prevent the collapse of an industry vital to thousands of working-class individuals. It is imperative to act swiftly to avoid a detrimental outcome that could exacerbate existing societal challenges.