Pottery workers to rally for urgent government support for ceramics

Workers from firms across Stoke-on-Trent will come together

Pottery being made in Stoke-on-Trent
Author: Adam SmithPublished 11th Jul 2025

Workers from across Staffordshire’s ceramics sector will assemble at the offices of the GMB Union next week to call on Ministers to step up support for the sector.

The action comes after the Government’s Industrial Strategy detailed plans to curb energy costs for manufacturers relying on electricity, but not those who rely on gas.

Local supporters and politicians will be in attendance.

Sharon Yates, GMB Rep and Pottery Worker, said:

“This Government is serious about supporting UK manufacturing, but we’re determined to make sure the voice of our potteries is heard.

“An Industrial Strategy is welcome, but so far we’ve only seen action to cut the costs of electricity, not the gas that fuels our kilns.

“We demand a plan to keep our kilns lit and cut gas prices.

“Tens of thousands of jobs rely on our industry. We cannot allow another decade of decline; we owe it to the next generation of potters."

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