Burslem's Royal Stafford goes bust, bringing an end to a 200-year history


More than 70 workers have lost their jobs with the news that Royal Stafford, the Stoke-on-Trent pottery firm, has gone into liquidation. Operating from the Royal Overhouse Manufactory site in Burslem, the company dates back to 1845, although the site was first used by Thomas Wedgwood in 1787. The collapse has led to calls from the GMB Union for the UK government to create a proper industrial strategy. Colin Griffiths, from the GMB, warned the country’s ceramics and pottery industry needed government support or the sector could be lost completely.
The Royal Stafford brand and location was visited by the GMB in 2017 as part of the GMB’s ‘Making It’ campaign, which aimed to win political support for Britain’s manufacturing sector.
The city council said its priority was supporting the company’s employees. The authority would help affected workers with job searching, benefits advice, CV writing and interview techniques. The council plans public realm improvements as part of a regeneration of Burslem.
A spokesperson for Royal Stafford and its bosses have been approached for comment

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