The consultation began on 16 December, with group chief executive Barry Hibbert confirming at the time that it would affect “a number of staff” but due to an agreement with Unite was unable to divulge further information.

However, according to local newspaper The Colchester Gazette, 85 jobs have now been axed from the site.

In a statement provided to PrintWeek today a Unite spokesperson said: “Negotiations with the company are continuing and no further statement will be issued until those talks have concluded.”

It is understood that equipment from the site, including one or two Ferag binding lines and its M4000 press, are set to be relocated within the group with the latter thought to be headed for Bicester or Chantry.

Polestar was unavailable for comment.