Pottery firms issue fresh plea for help with 'sky-high' energy costs
The ceramics industry says the government needs to act fast
There are fears that business is hanging on by a thread for many of Stoke-on-Trent's pottery firms because of the ongoing pressures from energy prices.
Talks are ongoing between local MPs and government on potential ways to help out the industry.
Jon Plant runs Moorland Pottery in Burslem. He told us:
"It's so sad the industry is in such a state.
"Why are we paying so much for energy? Why is energy 50% cheaper in Europe and why is it 25% the price we pay in America?
"This is a massive thing that's pushed most firms over the edge. If you're in a precarious position anyway with your position and something like this comes along, it can finish them. Which it has done.
"Our retail sales which are direct sales to retail are this year down by 40%.
"That just shows how difficult the retail market is.
"We've had increases in online sales, but then again that's no good for retail. We want to have a complete balance.
"It's not just energy too, all sorts of costs chip away at the bottom line. There's extra labour costs, National Insurance, and they all make it come to a point where you say what's the point because we're not making any money."
Chris Hoofe, organiser from Stoke-on-Trent's GMB Union, said:
“The high cost of energy is crippling the ceramics sector in the UK and has directly led to the loss of 57 jobs at Moorcroft.
“The Government must act and act now to support the ceramics sector and protect workers in this sector.”
Colin Griffiths, GMB Senior Organiser, said:
“Stoke cannot power its kilns with wind and batteries; wishful thinking means spiralling energy costs are now pushing the sector over the edge.
“Meanwhile the illegal importing of foreign forgeries is out of control and driving down orders even further.
“Our ceramic and pottery industry is vital for economic growth and supports thousands of jobs across the UK.
“The time for warm words is over, now we must see action”.
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