Pottery firm warns of redundancies

The Moorcroft factory has been based at its current site since 1913

A pottery firm has confirmed that redundancies could be made at its Stoke-on-Trent headquarters.

W Moorcroft Ltd, in Burslem, said it was "with deep sadness" that it was advising the GMB union of possible job losses.

It said it had issued form HR1 - used when more than 20 redundancies are planned.

In a statement, Moorcroft said: "The directors are pursuing every avenue possible to save jobs. The company is currently taking external financial advice."

The firm blamed rising costs and falling sales for the decision.

"Moorcroft has faced a dramatic reduction in sales figures over many months due, in part, to the reduction in people's disposable income for luxury goods," it said.

"Coupled with the increase in energy prices, which in the past two years alone have increased by almost £120,000 per annum, together with increased costs from its suppliers, the business has faced a challenging climate."

Moorcroft traces its roots back to 1897 and has been based at its current site in Sandbach Road since 1913.

The news follows the announcement last month that pottery firm Royal Stafford, also based in Burslem, had called in administrators.