Jobs warning for ceramics industry threatened by cheap imports

Companies like Churchill China could be put under pressure from overseas manufacturers

A trade union has warned that 22,000 ceramics jobs would be put at risk from the impact of cheap imports if there are no tariffs in place in a no-deal Brexit.

Next week, the Government is expected to lay a Statutory Instrument on unilateral zero tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

GMB believes that “floods of cheap imports” would “crush” the UK’s ceramics industry, with Staffordshire – home to the Potteries – worst affected.

The trade union’s analysis says nearly 9,000 jobs in Stoke would be in jeopardy.

Amanda Gearing, GMB Senior Organiser, said: “GMB, business groups and employers all agree – the Government must stop this zero tariff madness before it’s too late.”

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