Iconic pottery firm Wedgwood has announced job losses in a “body blow” for Britain’s historic pottery industry. The company is said to be making redundancies at the Barlaston factory, near Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, although the exact number of potential job losses is yet to be confirmed. A 30-day consultation is expected to get underway shortly.
News of the job losses comes after factory production was halted for 90 days from September 9, 2025, to January 5 this year. A total of 70 workers were placed on “temporary leave” to “lower consumer demand”.
GMB union organiser Chris Hoofe said: “This is another body blow for ceramics in Staffordshire and more evidence, if any was needed, to meet GMB’s demands of the Government to act and support the sector.
“GMB will be entering into consultation over the proposed redundancies and fighting to mitigate any compulsory job losses. The workers at Wedgwood are highly skilled and dedicated employees who are affected by circumstances beyond their control. GMB Union will do everything we can to support them at this incredibly difficult time.”
Pottery has been made at the Barlaston site since the 1940s.
In a statement on Thursday, Wedgwood owner Fiskars Group said it was “committed to continuing this iconic brand’s legacy” but also needed to take “measured steps to align production with demand, manufacturing costs and supply chain evolution”.
The company told the BBC that it had been “proud to help preserve the tradition of pottery-making in Staffordshire by leading Wedgwood through some immensely challenging and complex global market dynamics since our acquisition”.
The statement added: “As part of our ongoing operational review, production at our Barlaston factory is to focus on high-end, hand-crafted products, including Jasperware and Prestige Bone China, maintaining unique, local skills.
“Sadly, this will necessitate a reduction in the number of roles at Barlaston. We are commencing a standard 30-day consultation and will work closely with the workforce and trade unions to ensure that those affected receive correct support.
“By taking this step, we are ensuring the famous Wedgwood name and the Staffordshire craftsmanship associated with it continue.”
GMB has been calling on Labour for help to futureproof the pottery industry after a torrid 2025 saw the collapse of Royal Stafford, Heraldic Pottery and Moorcroft, which was later bought by the grandson of the firm’s founder.
Wedgwood owner Fiskars Group told StokeonTrentLive in September that production was being paused ‘to address elevated inventory levels caused by lower consumer demand in some key markets’.
It added: “Barlaston and its community are of key importance to Fiskars Group and Wedgwood. The site serves as a hub for our high-end and bespoke product, including handcrafted pieces in fine bone china and our signature Jasperware.”
