Crisis meeting over Wedgwood jobs

Politicians, unions and other groups are meeting to discuss how to help 250 workers threatened with redundancy at Waterford Wedgwood in Stoke-on-Trent.

The firm wants to cut costs and is considering moving fine bone china production from Barlaston to Indonesia.

Elected mayor Mark Meredith, who called the meeting, said people had to "pull together" to help the workers.

City MPs, Job Centre Plus, the union Unity and Advantage West Midlands will attend the meeting on Thursday.

The Learning and Skills Council and local councillors will also join the discussion.

'Lessen the blow'

Mr Meredith said: "We must pull together to do all that we can to assist those who could lose their jobs.

"The partners have a great track record in helping other ceramics workers retrain and find new employment and we are confident we can help lessen the blow to workers and their families."

Waterford Wedgwood has said the proposed changes would begin in November and workers may be offered voluntary redundancy.

It said it had begun a formal consultation process with employees potentially affected by the plan.

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