"The current statutory offences are too specific to offer a comprehensive definition, while the common law offence of conspiracy to defraud is so wide that it offers little guidance on the difference between fraudulent and lawful conduct, " it said.

BBC: UK fraud laws 'need streamlining'

Instead they had agreed "to wait to see what non-statutory proposals Downing Street would have to offer in the coming days", the paper said.

BBC: Leveson report: Editors 'agree on broad proposals'

Mr Jacobs said if the closure went ahead it would offer "fair and equitable severance packages over and above the statutory requirements".

BBC: Tetra Pak in Wrexham set to close with 150 job losses

Pest control is not a statutory service for councils to provide and some local authorities argue that private companies can offer the service cheaper.

BBC: Rat surge fears as councils in Wales cut pest control