In July of the previous year, I had the opportunity to meet with GMB members employed in the ceramics sector in Stoke-On-Trent, UK. Accompanied by my long-time activist companion, Sharon Yates, we paid a visit to the renowned cup producer Dunoon located just outside the city in Walton.
Sharon, a seasoned activist deeply rooted in the pottery industry for six generations, represents one of the 20,000 dedicated individuals laboring in Britain’s pottery sector, locally known as ‘the Pots’. With a profound understanding of the craftsmanship involved in pottery making and the significance of potteries to the working class in the Midlands and beyond, Sharon, working alongside her daughter and granddaughter, embodies the essence of local artisans striving to provide for their families and meet financial obligations.
The pottery industry in Britain plays a vital role in the economy, contributing approximately £2 billion and supporting 22,000 jobs nationwide. Renowned for their craftsmanship, British ceramic companies and their workforce are esteemed globally, with Stoke-On-Trent serving as the birthplace of modern industrial ceramics and influencing major ceramic industries worldwide.
Despite its global acclaim, the pottery industry is facing challenges in maintaining competitiveness. The sector has witnessed significant setbacks with the closure of plants and job losses at prominent British companies like Wedgewood and Denby. The primary culprit behind these struggles is the high production costs attributed to the UK’s emphasis on reducing gas consumption.
This predicament is uniquely British, as an industry with immense potential and historical significance risks fading into obscurity due to a reluctance to make bold decisions on energy policies. While the current government has demonstrated proactive measures in safeguarding jobs in the steel sector, its response to the plight of the pottery industry has been inadequate.
With the Labour party in power, there is optimism for intervention to support British workers. The government possesses viable solutions at its disposal, such as the Industry Supercharger scheme designed to alleviate the escalating energy expenses for energy-intensive sectors like ceramics. However, the reluctance to extend this scheme to the ceramics industry remains a point of contention.
Failure to address the challenges faced by the pottery sector could lead to long-lasting repercussions, impacting the nation for years to come. By implementing cost-effective and practical measures, the government can prevent the decline of an industry vital to tens of thousands of working-class individuals. Ignoring this crucial issue risks tarnishing the government’s reputation and exacerbating societal divisions and economic hardships.
