Up to 45 workers are to lose their jobs at a Stoke on Trent pottery works, it has been announced. The redundancies are being made at Aynsley China's Longton factory, and its remaining 200 workers are being put on a four day week.
The firm, which produces tableware and giftware, blames a slowdown in its traditional bone china markets.
Liam Maguire, spokesman for Aynsley China, said the moves would hopefully consolidate its position in the market.
He said: "This course of action is regrettable but the company feels it is absolutely necessary to ensure the long term future of the company and its remaining workforce.
 |  We are trying to get the number of redundancies reduced as best we can  |
"Part of the re-structuring programme will be the rationalisation for the product range at the end of this year to enable the company to better manage its business."
Geoff Bagnall, general secretary of the Ceramics and Allied Trades Union (CATU), said: "We are trying to get the number of redundancies reduced as best we can.
"And for those that are made redundant we are trying to get as many volunteers rather than compulsory redundancies and will be doing our best to help them through our Ceramic Resource Centre."
He added: "It is a sign of the difficult economic climate which is the same for most manufacturers."
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