New report calls for urgent action to protect Stoke's ceramics industry

A new report launching today has called for immediate Government action to safeguard and futureproof the UK’s ceramics industry.

Led by the ceramics union GMB, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the independent environmental think tank Green Alliance, the report emphasises the importance of taking into account the experiences of workers in the sector when creating industry policies.

Several notable pottery brand closures in 2025 have raised concern among industry experts about the lack of Government support in addressing the challenges faced by the ceramics sector.

“Tens of thousands of working class jobs rely on the ceramics sector; we cannot afford to leave its future to chance,” Chris Hoofe, GMB Organiser, said.

“But so far we aren’t seeing enough action from a Government grappling with the unique challenges the sector faces.

“We need action on gas pricing and an end to unnecessary red-tape, and we need it quick.

“This report will hopefully be a wake-up call for decision makers and pave the way for policy that safeguards UK ceramics for generations to come.”

The ceramics industry supports 20,000 workers across the UK and plays a key role in sectors including energy, defence, medical technology, and advanced manufacturing.

Paul Nowak, TUC General Secretary, described the current plight of the industry and its importance to the nation.

“Britain’s ceramics industry is a fundamental part of our national identity and a vital economic powerhouse for the whole country,” Nowak said.

"It's a critical enabler of key strategic sectors - from energy to defence, medical technology and advanced manufacturing.

"But for too long, the ceramics industry has been chronically overlooked and under-supported - and is now on its knees from sky-high energy bills, unfair dumping of cheap imports, and years of underinvestment.

"While the Chancellor’s budget last week offered some welcome signals, government support still falls short of what’s needed to protect the livelihoods of the 20,000 workers and their communities that rely on this industry.

“That's why this government must go further and faster — cutting energy costs, tackling unfair trade, and investing at scale to help sites modernise.

"With the right action now, we can secure the future of British ceramics, safeguard skilled union jobs, and ensure this strategically vital industry continues to power the UK’s economy for generations to come.”

Cath Smith from Green Alliance highlighted the challenges of decarbonisation and rising costs faced by the ceramics sector.

"Britain’s ceramics industry supports thousands of skilled jobs and underpins vital sectors from energy and defence to medical technology and advanced manufacturing,” Smith said.

“But after decades of being overlooked, it’s now at a critical point.

“The budget offered some welcome steps, but ceramics needs government to go further, faster.

“Paired with urgent support, decarbonisation offers a path to futureproofing the industry but only with action to reduce industrial energy costs, tackle unfair trading, and targeted capital support to help sites modernise.

“Without this, the UK risks losing strategic capabilities we won’t get back.”

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