The plant's closure, however, is still regarded as the worst-case scenario. "All efforts are directed at negotiating with the union to try and prevent closure," said Polestar Direct managing director Geoff Mordt. 

Leeds Direct has already undergone some painful restructuring this year; in an effort to reduce capacity 50 of the 140 staff were made redundant during February/March. 

GPMU deputy general secretary Tony Burke said: "We've already had some discussions with the company at senior level to see if we can turn the company around." 

There's a Direct Leeds chapel meeting taking place this week "and then we can decide exactly what we're going to do," added Burke. "We want to try to keep the plant open, and that's what we're striving for." 

If the closure goes ahead the firm intends to move two of the three web presses from the Dewsbury Road site to Polestar Direct Nottingham, resulting in potential jobs for some of the Leeds staff if they are prepared to relocate. 

Story by Darryl Danielli