The rally, which was organised by Unite, took place outside the Guildhall in the city's Market Square to oppose plans to shed around 150 jobs.

In addition to union employees, Cambridge MP David Howarth, and Tom Woodcock, branch secretary for the Cambridge Trades Council, attended the march.

Woodcock told local newspaper Cambridge Evening News that the university press was "allowing a business with a unique history and heritage to be lost forever".

He added: "Even if the University Press does go into negative profit, as it says it will over the next three years, it is still totally wrong for the workers to pay for the poor decisions being made by the people at the top of the company."

The plans are a response to changing markets resulting in 80% of the company's publishing sales mow going outside the UK and the increasing need to offer improved turnaround times and cheaper transport costs.

Ann Field, national officer at Unite, said she hoped the rally would raise awareness locally and across the country about the virtual elimination of the Cambridge printing operation.

Last week, Cambridge University Press said it intended to support the up to 150 staff affected by potential cuts at the company, with "enhanced" redundancy packages.

A facebook group has been set up to oppose the move, it can be found at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=78075841608.