Wedgwood to close two UK factories

Pottery giant Wedgwood Group today announced plans to close two of its UK factories with the loss of more than 1,050 jobs.

A company spokesman confirmed that earthenware factories would shut later this year when production of its Johnson Brothers brand moves to the Far East.

A further 275 workers at the affected plants will transfer to Wedgwood’s sites at Barlaston and Longton, Staffs, which will continue to manufacture the premium quality Wedgwood-branded china and earthenware.