The DTI-funded national agreement, which covers working conditions, will be the first of its kind in the UK when it is officially launched on 16 November. It addresses 12 objectives identified in a survey of BPIF and Amicus members as being common to employers and employees.

The union hopes the initiative will improve working conditions in the print industry while at the same time increasing productivity.

"It will allow Amicus and BPIF members to sit down on a regular basis and discuss changes where necessary," said Amicus assistant general secretary Tony Burke (pictured right). "The new Partnership at Work deal will move industrial relations in print into the 21st century."

It contains clauses on issues such as sick pay, the regulation of agency and temporary workers, and flexible working patterns.

"This takes things forward with a quantum leap," said Ken Iddon (left) on behalf of the BPIF. "This landmark partnership will enable us all to benefit from a modern and vibrant industry, which now has a much brighter future."