In July of the previous year, I traveled to Stoke-On-Trent to meet with GMB members employed in the ceramics industry in the UK. Accompanied by my colleague and veteran activist Sharon Yates, we paid a visit to the renowned cup manufacturer Dunoon located in Walton, just outside the city.
Sharon, a seasoned industry worker with a family legacy spanning six generations in the potteries sector, is among the 20,000 individuals in Britain engaged in pottery production, affectionately dubbed ‘the Pots’ by locals. She, along with her daughter and granddaughter, represents the hardworking families in the region striving to make ends meet and manage their financial responsibilities.
The ceramics industry in Britain plays a significant role in the economy, contributing an estimated £2 billion and supporting 22,000 jobs nationwide. Renowned for their craftsmanship, British ceramic companies and their skilled workforce are admired globally, with Stoke-On-Trent being recognized as the birthplace of modern industrial ceramics, influencing ceramic industries worldwide.
Despite its historical significance and economic impact, the ceramics industry faces challenges in maintaining competitiveness. Several major companies, including iconic British brands like Wedgwood and Denby, have recently announced layoffs, plant closures, or other setbacks. The primary reason behind these struggles is the high production costs attributed to Britain’s energy policies, particularly the emphasis on reducing gas consumption.
This predicament appears to be a uniquely British issue, where a cherished industry with potential for growth and future relevance is at risk of decline due to a reluctance to make necessary policy adjustments. With the Labour government in power, there is an expectation for decisive action, as demonstrated in previous interventions to safeguard jobs in the steel sector. However, the current administration’s response to the challenges faced by the potteries industry seems inadequate.
Looking ahead, the next year will be critical in determining whether the country can avert a potential disaster that could have long-lasting repercussions. The government has tools at its disposal, such as the Industry Supercharger scheme designed to alleviate escalating energy costs for energy-intensive sectors like ceramics. Despite its benefits and widespread support from industry stakeholders, the reluctance to extend the scheme to ceramics raises questions about the government’s commitment to preserving this vital sector.
Failure to address these issues promptly could result in the collapse of an industry that sustains thousands of working-class families, leading to increased social divisions and economic challenges. The government must act swiftly to prevent such a scenario and secure the future of the ceramics industry for the benefit of the nation.