Axed staff from failed pottery to go back to work

Some workers from a pottery firm which collapsed last month could soon be returning to work, according to the firm's liquidators.

Moore Recovery said plant and machinery owned by Royal Stafford, whose site in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, has a manufacturing history dating back more than 200 years, had been sold to TG Green & Co Limited.

The deal will mean some former workers getting their jobs back, although it is unclear how many.

The liquidators added that TG Green & Co Limited would use the Burslem site to manufacture Cornishware products previously made by Royal Stafford.

"The sale concludes a period of high interest from various interested parties," a spokesperson said.

They added: "The sale is also resulting in employment for a number of former Royal Stafford workers and will, in the short term, provide ongoing occupancy of the former trading site in the heart of Burslem."

Royal Stafford called in administrators on 25 February, resulting in the loss of more than 70 jobs, according to the GMB Union.

Speaking at the time, a union spokesperson said the firm's collapse was a "wake-up call" for the government and its industrial strategy.

Colin Griffiths, from the GMB, warned Britain could lose its ceramics and pottery industry without government intervention.

"Our ceramic and pottery industry is vital for economic growth and supports thousands of jobs across the UK," he added.

The Royal Stafford brand was established in 1845, but records indicate its Royal Overhouse Manufactory site was in use in 1787 and operated by Thomas Wedgwood, according to the firm's website.

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