GMB Treorchy campaign to intensify
Prince Charles has waded into the ongoing row between fashion retailer Burberry and disgruntled workers from its Treorchy factory in Wales.

Burberry is planning to close the Welsh factory and relocate production overseas, with 309 workers losing their jobs. The prince is understood to have contacted Government ministers to ask if there's anything he can do.

Ioan Gruffudd, the Hornblower actor and a global face of Burberry, has also joined politicians and royalty in condemning the company.

Gruffudd has written to Burberry chief executive Angela Ahrendts asking that she 'choose an alternative course of action', but has not yet received a response.

Fashion retailer Burberry met with GMS members last Wednesday in response to protests outside two of the company's London stores.

GMB organiser Mervyn Burnett said: 'After Wednesday's meeting, we are still pursuing viable options. Burberry could produce an iconic rainwear range at the Treorchy factory, an idea which hasn't been ruled out completely by the company. The main problem with that is that production needs are not evenly spread throughout the year. And Burberry is concerned about overhead costs.'

However, GMB members are not planning to give in. Burnett added: 'Our campaign will be intensifying, with a few more celebrity supporters in the pipeline. We are also hoping to have a public meeting in Treorchy, with special guest speakers and local TV and radio involved.'

Burberry will be meeting with GMB members again this Thursday. The company has so far declined to comment.