The UK ceramics sector is at a crossroads. Thousands of skilled jobs, centuries of craft expertise and a cornerstone of British manufacturing are under threat from sky high energy costs, unfair import dumping and inadequate support to decarbonise. This matters far beyond the factory gate. Ceramics underpin large parts of the economy, from refractory linings for steel furnaces and components used in energy and defence systems, to the tiles and bricks we use to build our homes.

Decline is not inevitable. In collaboration with GMB and the TUC, we set out a clear, practical roadmap to address these challenges with immediate and long term actions that will stabilise and futureproof the sector.

Ceramics support thousands of jobs across the UK and sit at the intersection of our industrial past and future. With the right policy framework, the sector can be revitalised and compete globally as a leader in low carbon manufacturing.

This briefing was written in collaboration with GMB Union and the Trades Union Congress

For more information, contact
Cath Smith, head of social impact