Burberry: no reprieve for Treorchy

Burberry has responded to the much-publicised backlash over its factory closure in Treorchy, which will relocate production abroad and result in more than 300 job losses.

Burberry director of commercial affairs Michael Mahony told the Welsh Affairs Select Committee: 'Burberry remains fully committed to Britain, investing in people and its business here.'

'Burberry employs about 2,000 people in Britain. Six hundred are engaged in manufacturing activities in Burberry's own factories in Castleford and Rotherham, where the iconic Burberry trench coats are made. Burberry's workforce in Britain has increased by more than 30 per cent in recent years, including in manufacturing, because of the success and growth of the business.

'The forces of globalisation allow Burberry to sell its products throughout the world, generating substantial export income for Britain. [It] will continue to respond to the forces of globalisation, evolving its business to ensure it remains a successful British business generating prosperity in Britain.'

Burberry human resources director Deborah Baker added: 'The proposal to close the factory was a very difficult one to make and not taken lightly. Our first priority is all of our employees who are affected by this. Burberry remains committed to cushioning the impact of the proposed closure on all its employees. Burberry has offered a substantially enhanced redundancy package to its employees and is providing a full and comprehensive outplacement and training service.'

Details of a major inquiry into the impact of globalisation on the Welsh economy were also announced at the committee meeting.

The GMB Union is holding two separate demonstrations outside Burberry stores in London tomorrow and has demonstrations planned outside six of the retailer's US stores and two Paris stores over the next month.

The union also plans to target the Burberry-sponsored British awards ceremony Bafta in London on February 11. Bafta Cymru chairman Richard Staniforth said he has written to the chairman of Bafta UK asking for an alternative sponsor to be found for the party.

Staniforth said: 'It's inappropriate for Bafta to be sponsored by Burberry. We wouldn't entertain being sponsored by Burberry in Wales, it's completely outrageous. I have contacted the chairman of Bafta UK (Hilary Bevan Jones) about this in the form of a letter, but have not yet had a response.'