The trade union has announced the launch of a digital magazine for its members, but insists this is in addition to its existing magazine, and will not replace the print version.

Reports in several publications had claimed United magazine, which is printed by Wyndeham, would be axed.

Richard O'Brien, director of Unite's communication team, told PrintWeek that the two publications performed specific tasks: "We have had no discussion about getting rid of the publication.

"For more than 10 years we have been sending it out to our members and a lot of people wouldn't be very happy."

He added: "For a start we have slightly more than 200,000 email addresses, for a union with 2m members we would be keeping a lot of people out of the loop. It is very popular – people like the feel of the magazine.

"However, we are very keen on the digital magazine, for instance we can embed video in it so the stuff that gets carried in the magazine can be aided by supplementary film."

The digital publication will be produced by data specialist Howse Jackson Marketing.