30 days to save Wedgwood?

WORKERS have been told production will continue for a month at Wedgwood – but its future depends on finding a buyer.

Administrator Deloitte held meetings with staff yesterday, after being called in by the ailing pottery, and told them it would be business as usual when they return from a prolonged Christmas break on Monday.

But workers leaving the Barlaston plant said manufacturing is only guaranteed for a month unless investment is found, leaving 1,000 North Staffordshire employees on tenterhooks.

A Deloitte spokesman confirmed they have held talks with one potential buyer and it is thought at least two more have shown interest.

A Wedgwood worker, who did not want to be identified, said: "They told us we've got a month guaranteed but they can only promise our jobs for those four weeks of production, after that who knows? They've also warned us that our wages could be late next week."

Community leaders hope investment can be found so 250 years of Wedgwood manufacturing can continue, and it is understood the three unidentified investors are interested in the majority of its assets.

A Deloitte spokesman said: "There has been one particular discussion with an interested party and there have been additional expressions of interest that have since been received, but we are not revealing details."

Waterford Wedgwood called in administrators after six years of loss-making in which the group has racked up debts of almost £400 million.

Alison Wedgwood, whose husband Tom is the great-great-great-great-great-great-grandson of founder Josiah Wedgwood, believes a buyer could make a success out of Josiah's legacy if they followed in his footsteps – producing quality ceramics in Barlaston.

Mrs Wedgwood, aged 38, of Barlaston Road, Cocknage, said: "If any new buyers concentrate on producing prestige Wedgwood products in Staffordshire and get their marketing right they will succeed."