The poignant narrative of a family deeply intertwined with the pottery industry emerges from the story of Sharon Yates, a devoted employee of Dunoon Mugs, located in Staffordshire. For over three decades, Yates has dedicated her life to craftsmanship, having been part of a factory that has seen four generations of her family contribute to its legacy—including her mother, Irene, who has since retired, her daughter-in-law Leian, and her granddaughter Madi. Established half a century ago, Dunoon Mugs is now grappling with dire financial challenges that threaten its existence.
Recently, the pottery company has reported a staggering sixfold increase in energy costs over the past three years, resultant of a broader economic climate characterized by escalating expenses. This financial strain has compelled the management to make difficult decisions, including laying off 20% of its workforce and reducing working hours for the remaining employees. The emotional gravity of these developments is palpable, especially for Yates, who articulated to the BBC how devastating the closure of the facility would be for her: “It’s my life,” she expressed, emphasizing the deep connections that span generations within her family and the community.
Yates reminisces about the joy she derives from her role, particularly the act of putting handles on mugs, a task she describes as both physically challenging and therapeutically beneficial. Her pride in her work and the sense of belonging to the pottery community is palpable, as she states, “I’m proud to work here; it’s in my blood.” However, the unfolding situation raises concerns for the future of not only Dunoon Mugs but also the broader pottery sector in Stoke-on-Trent, which has already witnessed the closure of three local potteries within the current year.
Dunoon’s director, Alan Smith, has expressed that the company could potentially face closure if circumstances do not improve. The ceramic industry, known for its energy-intense operations, is urging governmental intervention to mitigate the alarmingly high energy bills they’re experiencing. Smith highlighted that the rising minimum wage and increased national insurance contributions further exacerbate pressures on their operations, which he feels leaves them vulnerable.
As the gravity of the situation becomes increasingly evident, industry representatives alongside Stoke-on-Trent’s MPs, the GMB trade union, and Ceramics UK are set to convene with Industry Minister Sarah Jones. Their key agenda is to advocate for immediate governmental assistance to salvage the pottery industry, a sector that holds historical significance and cultural heritage for the region. The call for support highlights the industry’s urgent need for subsidies to counteract crippling energy costs, alongside a request for temporary exemptions from carbon emissions penalties.
In a broader context, the pottery crisis illustrates a shift in the traditional industries of Stoke-on-Trent, a city often referred to as The Potteries. Irene Yates, now 81 years old, shared her memories of a historical boom when over 45,000 individuals were employed within the ceramics industry. She poignantly described the bustling vibrancy of the sector, recalling meeting her husband David on the production line of a now-defunct pottery. The thought of Dunoon facing a similar fate resonates deeply with her family narrative, weighing heavily on their hearts.
Moreover, Labour MP Gareth Snell has recently voiced concerns in Parliament regarding the industry’s potential collapse and criticized the government’s inadequate response to the crisis. He joins the chorus of voices emphasizing an immediate need for government intervention, echoing Smith’s sentiments regarding official disinterest in traditional manufacturing sectors.
Unfortunately, Dunoon’s future appears tenuous, and the family’s story reflects a broader message of resilience intertwined with despair—a narrative marked by history, familial bonds, and a plea for survival in the face of overwhelming adversity. As the government claims to engage with the ceramic sector for support, the urgency of the matter beckons attention while reassuring the families that their heritage and livelihoods are valued and not merely statistic-driven negotiations.
