Rhondda-based MEP Jill Evans (Plaid Cymru) has asked Burberry to review the closure of its Treorci factory under the company’s corporate social responsibility policy. Company Secretary Michael Mahony will lead the formal review. This follows a meeting Mrs Evans held on Friday with three top Burberry executives in Cardiff. She said:
“This will be a major test of how the company deals with reality in the Rhondda against its fluffy corporate profile. Like many multi-nationals, Burberry proclaims its ethical policy. They’re proud to be included in the FTSE4Good Indices. But if it fails to retain the Treorci jobs, that will dent their image. They must be made to understand that international doesn’t just mean overseas.
“I don’t accept that a phenomenally successful company like this cannot restructure its only Welsh factory by up-skilling and new investment, especially in a community with little alternative employment. If they won’t, Burberry customers’ worldwide will want to know the reason. Multi-nationals know that people are turning against rampant globalisation – and Burberry can start in the Rhondda.”
Notes
Burberry’s Corporate Social Responsibility can be found on their web-site under
www.burberryplc.com/brby/cp/csr/.
