The Group announced recently that is has entered into a 45-day consultation with its employees at Southernprint which could result in the closure of the site.

With approximately 40 members at the plant, Unite describes the announcement as “a serious blow” to the employees and the local economy.

The consultation comes after a “substantial” reduction in magazine pagination and print runs which has caused magazine printing volume to decline.

With this decline predicted to continue, Walstead Group is looking at restructuring its operations to remain competitive.

Unite, Britain and Ireland’s largest union is seeking urgent talks with the management of the Poole-based firm in a bid to save more than 170 jobs at risk.

Bob Lanning, Unite regional officer comments: “I will be seeking an urgent meeting with management to discuss the business rationale behind this decision – and what can be done to save the site during the consultation period. We understand that the closure is being blamed on falling magazine volumes.

“The print industry across the UK has been struggling for some years because of the way consumers access reading material. This is a serious blow to our members, their families and, more generally, the regional economy.

“As a union, we will be giving our members maximum support during the coming days and weeks at what is a very grim time.”

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