That report has since triggered a string of government annoucements that have divided opinion between employers and workers nationwide:

From April 2013 the consultation period for companies making large-scale redundancies (more than 100 people) will be reduced from 90 days to just 45. As expected this drew heavy criticism from some - unions and employees - while employer bodies praised the move saying that in such difficult times it would free up employees sooner enabling them to look for new work. 

Other proposals announced across the year, in a steady stream of what have been dubbed by some as "anti-job" and "pro-employer" measures, are a review of TUPE legislation, a cap in the amount that can be claimed for unfair dismissal and a "no-fault dismissal" legislation that would make it easier for managers to sack underperforming staff.

Undoubtedly the proposals with the biggest shock factor came with the announcement of the "employee-owner" contract - a scheme enabling workers to relinquish some of their rights including unfair dismissal, redundancy, flexible working and training hours in return for shares of up to £50,000 (exempt from Capital Gains Tax) in the business for which they work. Although optional for existing workers, the contracts will be compulsory for new starters with businesses that opt into the scheme.

Due to come in from April 2013, all of these measures will of course impact on the print industry and its workforce, which has once again haemorrhaged jobs across the year.