Wedgwood lays off third of staff

POTTERY firm Wedgwood is axing 145 jobs at its site in Barlaston, Staffordshire.

The company is getting rid of 130 potters and 15 workers – a third of its 440 staff. A spokesman said the production of some of its tableware would be moved to other sites as it concentrated on making high-end products.

Founded in 1759, Wedgwood is one of the world’s oldest companies and was set up by Josiah Wedgwood, the grandfather of naturalist Charles Darwin.