The company plans to spread redundancy payments across monthly periods, which Unite claims is unlawful.

However, Wyndeham disputed the claims and the union has admitted that the drawn-out tribunal process means it could ultimately be a futile gesture.

Production ceased at the Basingstoke plant on Friday following a 30-day consultation.

According to Unite, all employees in the print and bindery departments received notice of their redundancy yesterday (3 October).

Unite national officer Steve Sibbald said: "Nobody said anything to them; they didn't know whether they were supposed to be in on Monday or not.

"Members will get their redundancy on a monthly basis, not in one lump sum, because the company can't afford to pay, which is unlawful.

"We will go to an employment tribunal over this, but by the time we get to the tribunal all the money will have been paid, that is how these companies get away with it.

"It is a very messy closure, which has been quite dramatic from our members' point of view."

Wyndeham chief executive Paul Utting said: "The timing of the closure of the manufacturing operation was clearly communicated to all staff on Friday last week. This was no surprise as Friday was day 30 of a 30-day consultation process.

"Union officials had accepted that there were no alternatives to closure on 22 September 2011. The company has acted lawfully, responsibly and in line with past practice both in relation to the making of redundancy payments and in relation to the proposed closure generally."