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Unite national officer, Steve Sibbald, said that this was a “hammer blow for workers”.

The news follows fast on the heels of the announcement by local printers Wyndeham that it is to make 86 job cuts, making the prospect of finding future employment in the industry even more difficult.

Steve Sibbald said: “The closure of this iconic print works at Colchester in an area struggling against the Coalition’s cuts is a massive blow to our members and their families. Most have worked in the print industry all their working lives and for many Polestar Colchester has been their one and only employer.  It’s in their blood.

“The announcement could not have come at a worst time for these workers. With the government unable to get to grips with skyrocketing levels of unemployment and the news that local printers Wyndeham Heron is to axe 86 jobs, the likelihood of our members finding alternative employment in the industry is virtually nil."

Unite is to meet with Polestar to work to find a solution that will keep the plant operating, saving as many jobs as possible. The Polestar group produces a range of newspaper supplements and magazines including NOW, TV Times, Country Life and the Radio Times. Its clients include Reeds Business Information, IPC and FT business.