The results of the ballot mean that the BPIF and the GPMU can no longer support the introduction of a training levy.

The BPIF/GPMU Funding for Training Working Group consultation, which ended on 5 May, attracted 575 replies a response rate of 14.6%.

The results of the survey, conducted by the Electoral Reform Society, showed that 60.9% of respondents opposed the levy, including 39.9% who strongly opposed its introduction.

Conversely, 33.5% of printers said that they supported the levy, including 8.1% who strongly supported it.

Ken Iddon, chairman of the Working Group, said: "Whilst I am personally disappointed at the result, I am, at the same time, not surprised. Ironically, though, this exercise has coincided with an increase in the recruitment of apprentices."

Between February and April this year, 108 young people joined the BPIF apprenticeship scheme, more than double the figure for the previous quarter.

The Working Group will now meet again to discuss future plans to increase investment in training in the industry.