The Stoke-on-Trent ceramics company, Wedgwood, is expected to cut jobs, in what has been described by union bosses as a "body blow" for the sector.

Yesterday (Thursday 5 February) the BBC reported that the owner, Fiskars Group, said it was "committed to continuing this iconic brand's legacy" but also needed to take "measured steps to align production with demand, manufacturing costs and supply chain evolution".

The number of jobs that will affected at the Barlaston factory has yet to be announced.

Fiskars Group explained that they will work closely with the workforce and trade unions over a 30-day consultation period.

In their statement to the BBC, Fiskars Group said that they were "proud to help preserve the tradition of pottery-making in Staffordshire by leading Wedgwood through some immensely challenging and complex global market dynamics since our acquisition".

The owners said: "As part of our ongoing operational review, production at our Barlaston factory is to focus on high-end, hand-crafted products, including Jasperware and Prestige Bone China, maintaining unique, local skills.

They added: "Sadly, this will necessitate a reduction in the number of roles at Barlaston. We are commencing a standard 30-day consultation and will work closely with the workforce and trade unions to ensure that those affected receive correct support.

"By taking this step, we are ensuring the famous Wedgwood name and the Staffordshire craftsmanship associated with it continue."

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The announcement comes after 70 workers were affected by a temporary closure of the Barlaston factory, which started in September last year, due to "low consumer demand".

In a statement following the announcement, the GMB Union described the job losses as a "body blow" for the sector.

Chris Hoofe, GMB Organiser, said: "This is another body blow for ceramics in Staffordshire and more evidence, if any was needed, to meet GMB's demands of the government to act and support the sector.

"GMB will be entering into consultation over the proposed redundancies and fighting to mitigate any compulsory job losses.

"The workers at Wedgewood are highly skilled and dedicated employees who are affected by circumstances beyond their control.

"GMB Union will do everything we can to support them at this incredibly difficult time."

Dr Allison Gardner, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South and the Villages called the announcement "deeply troubling".

The MP said: "Wedgwood is a cherished and well-loved household name, rooted in Stoke-on-Trent and representing the very best of British ceramics. These are highly skilled jobs and they matter to our city."

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Dr Gardner explained that she would be working and engaging closely with workers, trade unions and the company and added: "I will also be seeking clear and urgent answers from the company about the rationale for these redundancies and what steps are being taken to minimise further job losses."

She added: "The challenges facing the ceramics industry are well known to Ministers, not least because myself and North Staffordshire colleagues have raised them repeatedly.

"This is not the first company to face these pressures, and it cannot continue to be treated as an isolated issue. Government must now step up with a clearer, more targeted plan to support our ceramics, protect skilled jobs, and address the long-term challenges it faces."

She explained that she is meeting with Ministers "to demand concrete action to support Stoke-on-Trent's ceramics industry".