The outcome came after negotiations with Polestar, the GPMU and staff. The number of redundancies have yet to be confirmed but Polestar Direct managing director Geoff Mordt (pictured) said that all parties had been "instrumental" in avoiding complete closure.

"The strategy we have put forward for the continuation of the web side is one that can work," said Mordt.

"The chapel have been very responsible in negotiations and the GPMU have been positive."

GPMU Leeds & Central Yorkshire branch secretary Brian Brock said that he hoped to "see light at the end of the tunnel".

"There is to be a rationalisation and a reduction in activity but there hasn't been any confirmation of the number of redundancies," said Brock. "Obviously it is a much better position than the one we were in not that long ago."

Earlier this month Polestar proposed the closure of the Leeds facility and launched a 30-day consultation process with the GPMU and staff. Managing director Mordt said that all efforts were directed to avoid closure (PrintWeek, 2 September).

Polestar unified its direct mail activities to create the division in 2002 and Direct underwent a 3m investment programme in equipment, including a 750,000 Muller Martini Progress S at Direct Leeds. It was installed in spring this year.

Story by Philip Chadwick