Jobs set to be cut at Wedgwood

What’s Happening

Not gonna lie, Seventy workers at the Staffordshire site were put on temporary leave last year because of slow demand.

Jobs set to be cut at Wedgwood 25 minutes ago Save Liz Copper and Richard Price , West Midlands Save The Wedgwood factory at Barlaston shut temporarily at the end of last year because of “lower consumer demand” Jobs are set to be cut at ceramics firm Wedgwood in the latest blow to the industry in Stoke-on-Trent. The number of workers affected has yet to be clarified, but union bosses described the news from the Barlaston factory as “another body blow” for the sector. (we’re not making this up)

Wedgwood began a 90-day pause in production in September, blaming low demand, with 70 employees put on temporary leave.

The Details

In a statement on Thursday, Owner Fiskars Group dropped it was “committed to continuing this iconic brands legacy” but also needed to take “measured steps to align production with demand, manufacturing costs and supply chain evolution”. The GMB union has repeatedly made calls for more support to help futureproof the ceramics sector, following a number of pottery firms facing difficulties.

Those which went bust in 2025 included Royal Stafford and Heraldic Pottery as well as Moorcroft Pottery, which was later bought of the firms founder. The companys skilled workers still use techniques pioneered s founder Chris Hoofe, GMB organiser, dropped the announcement on Thursday was “more evidence, if any was needed, to meet GMBs demands of the government to act and support the sector.

Why This Matters

” He added: “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 their control. “GMB union will do everything we can to support them at this insanely difficult time.

The business implications here could be significant in the coming months.

The Bottom Line

” The companys skilled workers still use techniques pioneered s founder. They produce high-end and bespoke designs, including handcrafted fine bone China pieces and Jasperware, a type of pottery developed in the 18th Century Wedgwood.

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