Tom Jones appeals for Burberry factory workers
Sunday, 21 Jan 2007 12:24
Sir Tom was born in south Wales
Singer Sir Tom Jones has appealed for the Burberry factory in his native south Wales to remain open.
The Burberry factory in Treorchy, south Wales, is due to close in March with the loss of 300 jobs. High-fashion giants Burberry claim the site is no longer viable.
Born in nearby Pontypridd, Sir Tom, 66, said he knew "how important this factory has been to the community in the Rhondda" and urged "the Burberry management to withdraw their plans to close their Treorchy factory".
The It's Not Unusual star has added to the debate which will be taken to the House of Commons this week. Rhondda MP Chris Bryant is expected to speak in a debate over Burberry's Royal Warrants.
Writer Irvin Welsh, ex-Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable and Notting Hill actor Rhys Ifans have all backed the Keep Burberry British campaign.
However, not all celebrities have been as supportive of the workers' cause. Supermodel Kate Moss has reportedly snubbed requests by the campaign to cease her contract as the face of the company. The Croydon-born superstar did not respond to a petition signed by 200 workers.