Workers who will be put on temporary leave at Wedgwood later this month will be on full pay and offered support.

On Tuesday Fiskars Group, which owns Wedgwood, announced 70 workers would be affected by a temporary closure of the Barlaston factory starting on 28 September due to "low consumer demand".

Now the group has confirmed the workers will be on full pay with the GMB Union and Stoke-on-Trent MPs said to be offering support where needed.

The temporary shutdown will last for "up to 90 days," and factory tours are also suspended until 5 January 2026. Other attractions at World of Wedgwood will remain open.

Calls to protect the ceramics industry have continued.

Dr Allison Gardner, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, said: "I understand that this is a very worrying time for the workers at Wedgwood.

"But I am pleased that it is confirmed they will be on full pay, and that they have the support of trade unions, myself, and fellow MPs across Stoke-on-Trent."

She added that she would "seek assurances that regular production will resume in the new year."

Most attractions at World of Wedgwood will remain open during the factory shut down. (Staffordshire County Council)

The Barlaston site serves as a hub for high-end and bespoke products, including handcrafted pieces in fine bone china and Jasperware.

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

Meanwhile Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which is now pledging to only buy locally sourced ceramic tableware, says it will continue to campaign for the ceramics industry to the government.

A spokesperson for the city council said: "We will always do everything we can to protect our industries and local jobs.

"Wedgwood is not only an important local heritage brand but an important visitor destination.

"The fact is global and national pressures – including high energy prices – have made life very difficult for manufacturers.

"We will continue to push our case at the very highest level of government to ensure the ceramics industry is seen as integral to the future of the country."