Cosmetics company L'Oreal is cutting jobs at one of its UK factories and moving production to France.

Around 260 people are currently employed at the factory in Talbot Green, South Wales, which has been producing shampoos, conditioners and hair styling products since 1973.

The company said in a statement that a decline in the UK supplier base meant 70 per cent of its ingredients were imported. Also, more than two-thirds of its current production is then exported.

A spokesman said: "The combination of these two factors means that the factory is no longer sustainable from an economic, logistical or environmental perspective within L'Oreal's manufacturing organisation."

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, said: "This is very disappointing news. L'Oreal is a long established employer in South Wales and many of the people affected by this announcement have worked for the company for a considerable period of time.

"We will do everything within our power to protect these jobs, and a meeting has been arranged early next week with senior representatives from the company to discuss this announcement."

Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales Central Chris Franks said: "At a time when the economy is facing serious difficulties, this plan would put hundreds of workers out of work.

"I have asked for an urgent meeting with the company to discuss other possible courses of action.

"I have also been in contact with the Economy Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones and asked him to take all possible steps to avoid this huge blow for our local economy.

"It's good to hear that L'Oreal believes it has come to an arrangement that will allow production to be re-started in this factory, but we must do all we can to avoid losing all this employment at this critical time."

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