Wedgwood is pausing production and factory tours in Barlaston for 90 days from later this month with 70 workers to be put on temporary leave.

Fiskars Group, which owns Wedgwood, has confirmed the temporary shutdown at the factory will start on 29 September with the factory tours also suspended until January.

A spokesperson for the group said the shutdown was needed "to address elevated inventory levels caused by lower consumer demand in some of our key markets".

Barlaston is said to be of "key importance" to both Fiskars Group and Wedgwood.

Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell says the temporary closure is "incredibly worrying", calling for "immediate" support for British ceramics.

Mr Snell said: "The name 'Wedgwood' has been famously linked to Stoke-on-Trent since 1759. It's had its ups and downs over the last 266 years. 

"The news that manufacturing will be paused at the Barlaston site in September and factory tours will be cancelled is incredibly worrying and further highlights the immediate need for greater support for British Ceramics.

Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell is calling for immediate support for the ceramics industry. (Supplied)

"The support cannot be in some distant future; or the promise of help tomorrow, but real help today. 

"Ministers know what we need, and I had already started speaking to the new Secretary of State for Business & Trade about the work I and other MPs had been doing alongside the GMB and Ceramics UK to support the industry.

 "The World of Wedgwood is also more than a factory. It tells the story of our heritage, our craftsmanship and our skill. It is a tourist destination that brings thousands of people to North Staffordshire every year."

"My thoughts are with the workers who now face an uncertain future. I'll do whatever I can to support constituents affected by today's news and support the company through this difficult time."

The V&A Wedgwood Collection and other attractions based at World of Wedgwood are set to remain open during the temporary shutdown.

In a statement, a Fiskars Group spokesperson said: "On 29 September 2025, Fiskars Group will temporarily pause production at the Wedgwood factory in Barlaston, UK, for up to 90 days.

"This short‑term measure is being taken to address elevated inventory levels caused by lower consumer demand in some of our key markets. A total of 70 employees will be placed on temporary leave.

"The factory tours, part of the acclaimed World of Wedgwood tourist destination, will be suspended during this period, with plans to resume in early January 2026.

"Barlaston and its community are of key importance to Fiskars Group and Wedgwood. The site serves as a hub for our high-end and bespoke product, including handcrafted pieces in fine bone china and our signature Jasperware.

"These pieces are brought to life by skilled artisans using techniques pioneered by Josiah Wedgwood – many still in use today.

"This living tradition reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, the value of Made in England, and Barlaston's enduring role in our heritage and operations."

Cover image by Roger D Kidd via Geograph.