The GMB union has told the Government it must show its support to the country’s ceramics industry and commit to using UK-made pottery at British embassies worldwide.
GMB General Secretary Gary Smith has written to the Foreign Secretary David Lammy asking for backing for the industry which has lost the likes of Royal Stafford and seen Moorcroft cease trading before being bought in recent months.
Gary said: “UK ceramics are the envy of the world, but political failure has left our pottery firms battling against eye-watering costs to keep their kilns lit.
“With a network of more than 300 embassies and High Commissions, the UK has a golden opportunity to showcase the best of UK pottery at embassies across the world.
“It’s a use it or lose it moment for British Pottery; we’re calling for David Lammy and the rest of the Government to play their part in defending a vital British Industry.”
The union is campaigning for protection against the spiralling energy costs hitting the ceramics industry, after the Government’s flagship Industrial Strategy failed to tackle the costs of gas for UK kilns.
Daily Focus reported last month that Ceramics UK believes 90 per cent of ceramics manufacturers across the UK are set to miss out on energy discounts announced by the Government.
Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell has been working to highlight the importance of the UK’s ceramics manufacturing sector and paid a visit to Mantec Technical Ceramics in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent earlier this week.
The company provides ceramic-based solutions to global industries and has been pushing for government support on UK gas prices.
Sales Director Tim Evans said the company was delighted to host the MP and added: “We remain hopeful that the full value of UK ceramics manufacturing will be recognised within all areas of government, and that steps will be taken to alleviate some of the undue burdens – particularly on the energy front – that this important industry faces.”
