WORKERS have been laid off at Royal Worcester Porcelain but bosses are remaining tight-lipped about the nature of the redundancies.

The 250-year-old company made 12 factory workers redundant at the end of September but has refused to elaborate on the precise jobs that have gone, or what the implications are for the remaining workers.

The company employs 500 people at its Severn Street factory.

In a written statement, Royal Worcester said it had "reluctantly" made a "small number" of people redundant.

"This is a direct consequence of a downward trend in the ceramics market, which has also been affecting our competitors for some time," the statement said.

"The next few months leading up to Christmas is an important time of the year for our business and we will continue to keep the situation under review."

The British ceramics and pottery industry has been hit hard in recent years by imports, which can be made in China, India and other parts of Asia, for a fraction of the cost.

Royal Doulton, in Stoke-on-Trent, has been forced to slash 1,000 jobs due to the downturn and is closing 100 shops in Britain.

The Government is looking at the introduction of a mandatory stamp for all items, showing where it was made.

Consumers will then know if the product has been made in Britain.

Have you got a story? If so, phone Deborah Clarke-Sutton at the Evening News on 01905 742260. Or e-mail dcs@thisisworcester.co.uk