Action needed to save ceramics firms, unions say

Union bosses are calling for more support to help futureproof the ceramics sector, as part of a new report containing policy ideas they want the government to adopt.

The GMB highlighted the closure of several high-profile pottery firms in 2025, and said ministers were not taking enough urgent action.

"Tens of thousands of working class jobs rely on the ceramics sector; we cannot afford to leave its future to chance," said GMB organiser Chris Hoofe.

A government spokesperson said they recognised the challenges faced by potteries and ceramics businesses, and were taking action to support the industry.

Firms which went bust in 2025 included Royal Stafford and Heraldic Pottery as well as Moorcroft Pottery which was later bought by the grandson of the firm's founder.

Industry leaders felt action was needed on reducing gas prices and cutting "unnecessary red-tape," Mr Hoofe said.

"This report will hopefully be a wake-up call for decision makers and pave the way for policy that safeguards UK ceramics for generations to come."

Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, said the ceramics sector was a fundamental part of Britain's national identity.

"It's a critical enabler of key strategic sectors - from energy to defence, medical technology and advanced manufacturing," he said.

"But for too long, the ceramics industry has been chronically overlooked and under-supported - and is now on its knees from sky-high energy bills, unfair dumping of cheap imports, and years of underinvestment."

He believed government assistance had fallen short of what was needed to protect livelihoods within the industry.

There were 20,000 workers who relied on it to provide an income, he said.

Meanwhile, the government said it was taking action to support the ceramics industry.

"We recognise the challenges faced by potteries and ceramics businesses across the country," a spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said.

"Our industrial strategy included measures to support the sector, including our supercharger scheme that will slash energy prices as part of the Plan for Change and a new British industrial competitiveness scheme will look to reduce electricity bills for manufacturing sectors like ceramics by up to 25%."

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