Wedgwood Announces Job Cuts in Blow to Staffordshire Pottery

Job Losses Announced at Iconic Wedgwood Factory in Barlaston

Job losses have been announced at the historic Wedgwood ceramics factory in Barlaston near Stoke-on-Trent, dealing another blow to Staffordshire's famous pottery industry.

Parent company Fiskars Group confirmed that roles are at risk at the Barlaston site with a formal 30-day consultation process now underway involving staff and trade unions. The exact number of redundancies has not yet been disclosed, but the company said it is taking measured steps to align production with lower consumer demand.

The announcement follows a 90-day temporary production pause that began in September last year, which saw around 70 workers placed on temporary leave. Production has since resumed, but the firm is now shifting focus towards high-end handcrafted products like fine bone china and Jasperware to preserve specialist skills and target premium markets.

GMB union organiser Chris Hoofe described the proposed cuts as another body blow for ceramics in Staffordshire. He said this is more evidence of the need for government action to support the sector, adding that the union will enter the consultation process and fight to minimise any compulsory redundancies while ensuring affected workers receive proper support.

The news highlights ongoing pressures on the UK pottery industry including weak demand and rising costs which have hit traditional manufacturing in the Stoke-on-Trent area hard over recent years.

Wedgwood founded in 1759 remains one of the world's most recognised names in fine china and tableware with its Barlaston factory a key part of the region's heritage since the 1940s.

Local leaders and union representatives are calling for urgent intervention to protect jobs and sustain the skills that have defined the Potteries for generations.