Tue, 06 May 2025

Tue, 06 May 2025 Family 'heartbroken' as pottery firm struggles

Dunoon Mugs has cut 20% of its workforce and its director warns it could close like several potteries.
- Energy costs are six times higher than three years ago. - 20% of the staff have been made redundant. - Workers are now working shorter hours. Yates expressed her concerns about the company's future, stating she "would not be able to cope" if it closed. She highlighted her passion for pottery work and pride in being part of a long-standing family tradition. Dunoon Mugs director Alan Smith attributed the struggles to rising energy costs and increased national insurance contributions, describing it as "bombarding from all sides". The industry is calling on the government to provide support, including subsidies for high energy bills and temporary exemptions from carbon emissions penalties.
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