GPMU national officer Chris Harding said that although members had initially voted for industrial action, it had been averted after West Ferrys management assured them that none of the planned 100 redundancies would be compulsory.

He said: Our members there voted just before Christmas in favour of industrial action. But now the redundancies will be on a voluntary basis and weve also had assurances on this years wage review.

He added that in light of the circumstances the decision to halt any strike action was the only sensible option.

The Docklands-based newspaper printer, which employs 760 staff, began talks with the GPMU in November over the 100 redundancies. The Telegraph Group and Express Newspapers jointly own the plant.

Story by John Davies