UK ceramics faces collapse without urgent government support

Published: 29 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Britain risks losing a vital piece of its national identity if the ceramics industry collapses. The sector, spanning centuries-old Staffordshire potteries and smaller producers across the UK, faces unprecedented pressures from soaring energy costs, international competition, and long-term underinvestment. Unions and policy thinktanks have called on the government to urgently intervene, warning that inaction could have profound economic and cultural consequences.

Chris Hoofe of the GMB union highlighted the severity, stating, “Tens of thousands of working-class jobs rely on the ceramics sector, so we cannot leave its future to chance. Action on gas pricing and an end to unnecessary red tape is required immediately.” Pottery and ceramics industries in Britain have long been energy-intensive, and despite government support for similar sectors such as steel and aluminium, experts argue that ceramics have been largely overlooked.

The Trades Union Congress echoed these concerns, emphasizing the sector’s strategic importance to Britain. Paul Nowak, TUC general secretary, said, “Britain’s ceramics industry is a fundamental part of our national identity and a vital economic powerhouse. It underpins key strategic sectors, including energy, defence, medical technology, and advanced manufacturing. Yet sky-high energy bills, unfair import competition, and historic underinvestment have pushed it to the brink.”

Currently, the UK ceramics sector supports around 20,000 jobs nationwide. Cath Smith from Green Alliance warned that the industry is at a “critical point.” She explained that while recent government measures provide some relief, they are insufficient to safeguard the future of pottery. “Paired with urgent support, decarbonisation offers a path to future-proofing, but only with targeted capital support, fair trading, and energy cost reductions,” she said. “Without these measures, Britain risks losing irreplaceable strategic capabilities.”

The government has acknowledged the sector’s challenges. A spokesperson from the Department for Business and Trade said, “We recognise the difficulties faced by potteries and ceramics businesses across the country. Our industrial strategy included initiatives such as the supercharger scheme to reduce energy prices, alongside a new British industrial competitiveness scheme aimed at lowering electricity bills for manufacturing sectors like ceramics by up to 25%.”

Despite these assurances, industry leaders argue that more rapid and targeted intervention is essential. Rising gas and electricity prices have caused severe operational strain for small and medium-sized ceramics businesses, threatening closures and job losses. Combined with international competition from cheaper imports, this has created an urgent need for a government strategy that goes beyond general industrial support.

Historically, Britain’s ceramics sector has not only been an economic driver but a cornerstone of cultural heritage. Staffordshire’s potteries, for example, have produced globally recognised ceramics for centuries, contributing to tourism, local economies, and Britain’s creative industries. The potential loss of this industry would represent both an economic and cultural blow, reducing the country’s manufacturing diversity and heritage visibility internationally.

Energy-intensive industries face unique challenges in the UK, where electricity and gas costs remain among the highest in Europe. While steel and aluminium have benefited from tailored government support, ceramic manufacturers argue that without comparable measures, many businesses may struggle to survive the next few years. Industrial decarbonisation has also been highlighted as a key opportunity, with modernisation and efficiency improvements offering a potential lifeline if adequately supported financially.

Unions emphasise that government intervention should not only protect jobs but also maintain Britain’s technological and strategic capabilities. Modern ceramics facilities are integral to sectors such as aerospace, defence, and medical technology, producing specialised components and high-precision materials. A decline in domestic ceramics production could force reliance on international suppliers, posing risks to national security and industrial resilience.

Trade associations have also pointed to the potential environmental benefits of supporting domestic ceramics. Modernised, energy-efficient facilities can reduce emissions while sustaining employment and cultural heritage. Critics argue that delaying support not only risks economic decline but undermines Britain’s commitment to decarbonisation and sustainable industrial practices.

Industry stakeholders urge immediate government engagement to implement measures such as energy cost reductions, regulatory simplification, and targeted investment in modern production technologies. Without swift action, small and medium-sized enterprises, many of which have been family-run for generations, may face closure, eroding centuries of expertise and craftsmanship.

Supporters also note the potential long-term benefits of intervention. A revitalised ceramics sector could enhance the UK’s industrial competitiveness, attract investment, and secure high-skill employment across multiple regions. By combining decarbonisation strategies with strategic investment, Britain could protect its heritage while ensuring the ceramics industry contributes to a sustainable economic future.

In conclusion, the UK’s ceramics sector stands at a crossroads. With 20,000 jobs, strategic manufacturing roles, and centuries of cultural heritage at stake, industry leaders insist that government action must be decisive and timely. Failure to act could lead to a permanent loss of national identity, industrial capacity, and economic resilience. For the ceramics industry, the message is clear: support is needed now, or Britain risks losing a piece of its history forever.