However, Unite has said that it has been contacted by a number of employees – both members and non-members – complaining about the move.

The web-offset and sheetfed print group told staff on 5 January that it wanted to slash wages by between 10-20% in order for the business to continue under its current financial strains.

Chief executive David Holland confirmed to PrintWeek yesterday (30 January) that the figure decided on was 13.5%, with around 400 employees balloting at present.

Holland said: "We expect to have an outcome by mid-month."

Unite has claimed that the ballot is illegal, as it has not been agreed by a recognised employee representative body, and has contacted the company to put its case.

Sibbald told PrintWeek yesterday: "Our regional guy has had a lot of contact with members, but other employees have also begun contacting me as well. They are not happy with the imposition of this.

"It looks like we will definitely end up in court to get employees their money back, as well as seeking compensation."