Energy Costs mean loss of jobs in UK Clay industry

– French owner of historic business to cut half staff
– Cost of power blamed as production shifts to Brazil


One of Britain’s most fragile regional economies was dealt a hammer blow yesterday when the main operator of the historic china clay industry in the West Country said it would axe 800 jobs, almost half its staff.

Imerys, which bought the English China Clays business in 1999, blamed soaring energy costs for its decision to end activities in Devon and slash staffing across Cornwall, where it is the biggest private sector employer. The French company promised to invest

Christophe Daulmerie, UK director at Imerys, said he was doubly mindful that French employers were also under attack after PSA Peugeot Citro