Sharon Yates has been working at Dunoon Mugs in Staffordshire for more than three decades. Four generations of her family have worked there - her mother, Irene, who has now retired, her daughter-in-law, Leian, and granddaughter, Madi. But, the company, which was established 50 years ago, is struggling. The firm said its energy bills were now six times higher than they were three years ago; 20% of the workforce was made redundant and staff are working shorter hours. Ms Yates told the BBC she "would not be able to cope" if the pottery closed. "It's my life," she said. ''I just love putting the handles on the mugs. It's hard work, but it's therapeutic," said Ms Yates. "I'm proud to work here, it's in my blood." Three Staffordshire potterieshave closed this year,and Dunoon's director Alan Smith said it was "entirely possible" that Dunoon could be next. Mr Smith said it was not just their energy bills - the rise in the minimum wage and employers' national insurance made it feel like the company was being "bombarded by all sides". On Wednesday, Stoke-on-Trent's MPs, the GMB trade union and the industry body Ceramics UK will meet Industry Minister Sarah Jones to call for urgent action to save the potteries. Ceramics is one of the most energy intensive industries in the UK and the sector is calling on the government to subsidise what it says are "crippling" energy bills. It also wants businesses to be temporarily exempt from carbon emissions penalties. The directors of Moorcroft Pottery announced last month the firm has stopped trading after more than 100 years. It was the latest blow to the pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent, a city affectionately known as The Potteries. Ms Yates' mother, 81 year-old Irene, has lived around the industry all her life. She said the city was once "buzzing", with more than 45,000 people working in ceramics. She met her husband David working on the line at the now-closed Staffordshire Pottery, and added it was "heartbreaking" to think Dunoon Mugs could close too. "I hope the government steps in to help us," she said. Last week, Gareth Snell, the Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, gave a speech in Parliament, warning the industry faced collapse. He criticised the government's response to what he described as a "crisis" facing the industry. Mr Smith also added he was not confident Dunoon would get the help it needed from government. ''I don't think they behave as if they're interested in traditional industries," he said. In a statement, the Department for Business and Trade said: "Ministers continue to engage closely with the ceramics sector to understand the challenges and provide support, ensuring the industry is globally competitive as part of our Plan for Change."
Family 'heartbroken' as pottery firm struggles
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Dunoon Mugs Faces Closure Amid Rising Costs and Industry Challenges"
Bbc News
7.1
TruthLens AI Summary
Sharon Yates, who has dedicated over thirty years of her life to Dunoon Mugs in Staffordshire, is part of a family legacy that spans four generations. Her mother, Irene, who has now retired, her daughter-in-law Leian, and her granddaughter Madi have all contributed to the operations of the pottery firm, which has been in business for fifty years. However, the company is currently facing significant challenges that threaten its future. Dunoon Mugs has reported energy bills that have skyrocketed to six times their previous levels from three years ago. This drastic increase has forced the company to reduce its workforce by 20% and implement shorter working hours for remaining employees. Yates expressed her deep emotional connection to the company, stating that it is integral to her identity and well-being. The hard work she engages in, particularly putting handles on mugs, is not only a job for her but also a therapeutic experience. She fears that if the pottery were to close, it would be an insurmountable loss for her and her family.
The broader context of the pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent is dire, with three potteries having already closed this year alone. Dunoon’s director, Alan Smith, has indicated that the company could be the next casualty if current conditions do not improve. He pointed to multiple pressures, including rising minimum wages and increased national insurance contributions, which make it feel as though the company is under siege from all directions. In response to the crisis, Stoke-on-Trent's MPs, along with the GMB trade union and Ceramics UK, are scheduled to meet with Industry Minister Sarah Jones to advocate for immediate government action to support the struggling pottery sector. The ceramics industry, known for its high energy consumption, is calling for government subsidies to alleviate the burden of rising energy costs, along with temporary exemptions from carbon emissions penalties. As the situation grows more precarious, industry leaders like Smith express skepticism about the government's commitment to preserving traditional industries, while local residents like Irene lament the loss of a once-thriving community that employed over 45,000 people in ceramics. The Department for Business and Trade has stated that they are engaging with the ceramics sector to understand the challenges and provide necessary support to ensure the industry's global competitiveness.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article brings to light the struggles faced by Dunoon Mugs, a pottery firm with deep-rooted familial connections, highlighting the emotional and economic impact of rising costs and industry challenges. The narrative focuses on the personal stories of employees, particularly Sharon Yates, to evoke empathy and convey the urgency of the situation in the pottery industry.
Economic Struggles and Emotional Impact
The piece outlines the significant increase in energy bills and other operational costs that have led to workforce reductions and shorter working hours. This economic pressure is positioned as a crisis not only for the company but also for the community that has historically depended on the pottery industry for livelihood. By emphasizing the generational ties of the workers, the article aims to create a sense of urgency and heartbreak over the potential closure of Dunoon Mugs.
Community Response and Political Action
The article mentions the impending meeting between local MPs, the GMB trade union, and industry representatives with the Industry Minister, suggesting a coordinated effort to seek government intervention. This highlights the broader implications of the issue, suggesting that it is not just a local problem but one that may require national attention and policy changes. The call for subsidies and exemptions from carbon penalties indicates a desire for immediate governmental support to alleviate the industry's burdens.
Perception and Manipulation
While the article presents factual information about the challenges faced by the pottery industry, it also employs emotional language and personal stories to sway public opinion. This approach may be seen as an attempt to generate sympathy and prompt action from both the government and the public. The focus on individual narratives can evoke a sense of loss and urgency, potentially manipulating sentiments to rally support for the industry's plight.
Connection with Broader Issues
The situation described in the article mirrors broader economic challenges faced by various sectors, especially those reliant on traditional manufacturing. The mention of other potteries closing adds to the narrative of a declining industry, which may resonate with readers concerned about job losses and economic stability.
Impact on Community and Future Prospects
The article likely aims to foster community solidarity and action in response to the threats facing local employment. It could lead to increased public advocacy for policy changes that support local industries. The emotional appeal may engage local residents more deeply, inspiring grassroots movements or campaigns to sustain the pottery tradition in Staffordshire.
In terms of stock market implications, companies involved in energy-intensive industries or those linked to the ceramics sector might see fluctuations based on public sentiment and potential government intervention.
The article does not convey a direct connection to global power dynamics, but it reflects local economic challenges that can have ripple effects nationally. It is relevant in today’s context of rising energy costs and the ongoing discussions around sustainability and industry support.
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence was used in crafting this news piece, as the narrative style appears to be traditional journalism focused on human stories and economic realities rather than algorithmic content generation.
In conclusion, while the article effectively raises awareness about the challenges faced by Dunoon Mugs and the pottery industry, it balances factual reporting with emotional appeals, which may skew perceptions and influence public sentiment.