Jobs lost as pottery giant battles rising costs

Pottery giant Emma Bridgewater is to make 32 jobs redundant, saying the challenging economic climate and increases in the cost of materials meant cutbacks were needed.

A consultation has begun with staff in Stoke-on-Trent, Bicester Retail Village and London.

Operations, customer services, retail and management roles are affected, with 65 people involved in the consultation.

Managing director Julia Cove-Smith said: “Challenging economic pressures have led to very difficult trading conditions for many retailers and manufacturers this year.

“While Emma Bridgewater Ltd has secured positive additional sales opportunities and developed new partnerships, it has also been necessary to respond to current pressures by reducing our rate of pottery production to support the future development of the business.”

Last month, the company announced staff would have a temporary pay cut for eight weeks from 10 July, as it moved to 80% of usual working hours.

The consultation, which includes staff at factories in Lichfield Street and Berryhill in Stoke-on-Trent and the customer services department, will end on 1 September.

The company employs about 400 people.