MINISTERS have been urged to save tens of thousands of jobs in the centuries-old ceramics industry.

Unions and the Green Alliance think tank warned Britain faces losing a piece of its national identity as Staffordshire potteries continue to go under due to sky-high energy costs.

GMB regional organiser Chris Hoofe said: “Tens of thousands of working-class jobs rely on the ceramics sector so we cannot afford to leave its future to chance. 

“But so far we aren’t seeing enough action from a government grappling with the unique challenges the sector faces.

“We need action on gas pricing and an end to unnecessary red tape, and we need it quick.”

The sector, which supports 20,000 jobs, was now at a “critical point,” said Cath Smith of Green Alliance.

“The Budget offered some welcome steps, but ceramics needs [the] government to go further, faster,” she said.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said that not enough was being done to help potteries.

“Britain’s ceramics industry is a fundamental part of our national identity and a vital economic powerhouse for the whole country,” he added.

“It’s a critical enabler of key strategic sectors — from energy to defence, medical technology and advanced manufacturing. 

“But for too long the ceramics industry has been chronically overlooked and undersupported and is now on its knees from sky-high energy bills, unfair dumping of cheap imports and years of underinvestment.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said: “We recognise the challenges faced by potteries and ceramics businesses across the country.”