A spokesperson for the newspaper printer confirmed the date to PrintWeek. The move follows last month's announcement of the intention to close the site.

Unite's assistant general secretary Tony Burke said that the closure of Johnston Press' Northampton print plant could be the first of many as the UK's new "supersites" begin to take effect.

"We are anticipating a reduction in the number of newspaper print sites in the UK, particularly with the new sites starting up," he said.

"It is very disappointing for our members and their families that the plant has closed and we will do all we can to help our members find other employment and re-train where necessary."

Johnston Press, which is headed up by Tim Bowdler, posted a £109m writedown in its interim results last month as it battles against falling advertising revenue.