On the plans to outsource the roles to EXL Services, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Oxford University Press’ offshoring plan is a classic case of an employer prioritising greed over its hard working staff.”

“It is an absolute disgrace that it has pushed through this decision and put our members’ jobs at risk,” she said.

Unite regional officer Naomi Gravett said the industrial action was “completely the fault of OUP”.

“It is a wealthy employer and simply does not need to cut costs by outsourcing our members’ jobs abroad,” she added.

OUP said a majority of staff affected by the changes had “accepted the terms offered”.

“Colleagues have been offered enhanced redundancy terms as well as opportunities for redeployment and support, including funding for professional development, and a number have secured alternative roles within the Press,” the publishing house said.

It said staff had been offered wellbeing support, before adding: “We also have plans in place to minimize any potential disruption to colleagues, customers, or suppliers during this time.”