The union said staff were "seething" at their treatment

A spokesman for J Barbour & Sons - with sites near Galashiels and in Tyneside - said "capacity issues" had prompted it to make the move.

T&G union regional organiser Tony Trench said staff were "seething" at the way they were being treated.

The move has come as the company heads towards arbitration over pay negotiations with its workers.

Barbour staff are looking for a 4.1% rise on their basic wage.

This has not been agreed and a vote has already been taken for industrial action.

Whilst we hope the reduction in work is temporary, the changing nature of our markets means that this is difficult to predict Barbour spokesman

However, an agreement has been reached to take the matter to conciliation service Acas on 29 October to get a resolution.

In the meantime, the 113-year-old firm wants voluntary redundancies at its factory near Galashiels where it employs 54 workers.

"As a response to capacity issues and the consequent reduction in work being planned into the Galashiels factory, we are giving the workforce the opportunity for voluntary redundancy," said a Barbour spokesman.

"We have informed the union and invited union members to seek advice from their representative.

"Whilst we hope the reduction in work is temporary, the changing nature of our markets means that this is difficult to predict."

Minimum conditions

Mr Trench said his union would not be advising any staff to volunteer for redundancy.

"The Barbour workers are absolutely seething at the way they are being treated," he said.

"The company will not say how many voluntary redundancies they are looking for.

"When we asked what kind of package would be available they said it would be the minimum state conditions - so we have advised our members not to put in for it."

Barbour - which makes wax jackets for the Queen - has had its factory on the Tweedbank Industrial Estate near Galashiels for the past 12 years.