Royal Stafford, in Stoke-on-Trent, has 'collapsed into liquidation'. Photo: Royal Stafford.

Royal Stafford has ‘collapsed into liquidation’ with union expecting loss of more than 70 jobs

2 mins read

Pottery manufacturer Royal Stafford has ‘collapsed into liquidation’ after 180 years in Stoke-on-Trent, according to the GMB union.

More than 70 jobs ‘are expected to be lost with immediate effect’ leading to the union calling for more to be done to help the sector.

Both the local MP and Stoke-on-Trent City Council have pledged to help affected employees.

Colin Griffiths, GMB Senior Organiser, said: “This is a wake-up call for the new Government and its industrial strategy.

“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.”

Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove MP David Williams has said he is ‘deeply saddened’ by the news and will work to support those affected into new employment as quickly as possible.

Royal Stafford, based in Burslem, manufactured English cream-coloured earthenware and was one of only a handful of potteries where all production still took place in England. A lot of the production was still done by hand.

The company was founded in 1845 and recognised around the world.

A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson said: “We want to acknowledge the fantastic contribution Royal Stafford has made to the pottery industry and both the Burslem – and wider Stoke-on-Trent – economy and profile over the last two centuries.

“Our main priority now is to work with the business owners to ensure we can reach all affected employees effectively.

“This involves working with Jobcentre Plus and through the JET (Jobs, Enterprise, Training) service to provide a tailored, rapid response offer to those affected and to give them the support and advice they need to find new employment opportunities.

“This support includes offering benefits advice, a skills and careers action plan, CV writing, job search sessions, application form support and interview techniques.”

The spokesperson added: “In addition, the Council Leader, Councillor Jane Ashworth, is now writing to Royal Stafford’s owners to request an urgent meeting. 

“We know that national factors, including high energy bills, have made things more difficult for local employers but we are committed to improving our economy.

“This includes major plans for Burslem, involving the regeneration of the town as part of a multi-million-pound city-wide package of public realm improvements. These will help attract extra footfall, boost business activity and tap into its heritage.

“The work will complement other projects taking place in and around the town, including the investment in the preservation of some of its landmark buildings such as The Wedgwood Institute and Burslem Indoor Market.”

Anyone affected can contact the JET service directly by calling 01782 231215 or emailing [email protected]

Daily Focus has approached Royal Stafford for a comment.

Hayley Johnson

Senior journalist with over 15 years’ experience writing for customers and audiences all over the world. Previous work has included everything from breaking news for national newspapers to complex business stories, in-depth human-interest features and celebrity interviews - and most things in between.

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