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 longtime activist companion, Sharon Yates, we paid a visit to Dunoon, a renowned cup manufacturer located just outside the city in Walton.
Sharon, a dedicated worker with a familial history spanning six generations in the pottery industry, exemplifies the essence of being a potter and the significance of the potteries to the working class in the Midlands and beyond. With a workforce of over 20,000 individuals, the pottery sector in Britain contributes approximately £2 billion to the national economy, supporting 22,000 jobs nationwide.
The ceramic industry in the UK, along with its skilled workforce, holds a prominent position globally. Stoke-On-Trent, recognized as the birthplace of modern industrial ceramics, has influenced major ceramic industries worldwide.
Despite its historical significance, why is the pottery industry facing challenges? In the past year, notable British companies like Wedgewood and Denby have made announcements regarding job cuts, plant closures, and other setbacks. The primary reason behind these struggles is the high production costs, largely influenced by the UK’s focus on reducing gas consumption.
This situation presents a uniquely British dilemma – an industry with immense potential, vital for the future, being neglected due to a reluctance to make necessary policy changes. With the current leadership in place, there is an expectation for proactive action, as demonstrated in previous interventions to safeguard jobs in the steel industry. However, the government’s response to the issues faced by the pottery sector appears insufficient.
Looking ahead, the next year will be crucial in determining whether the industry can avert a looming crisis that could have long-lasting ramifications. One potential solution lies in the Industry Supercharger scheme, designed to alleviate energy costs for energy-intensive industries like ceramics. Despite its practicality and alignment with industry stakeholders’ demands, the reluctance to extend this scheme to the ceramics sector raises concerns about the government’s commitment to supporting working-class communities.
Failure to address these challenges promptly could result in a catastrophic collapse of an industry that serves as a lifeline for tens of thousands of individuals. The repercussions of such inaction would be stark, leading to further societal divisions, increased alienation, and compounded challenges for all involved.