The Post Office has announced it will move all remaining directly-owned branches to franchisees by the autumn. The company confirmed the offloading of 108 crown branches, which are currently under its direct ownership and operation.

This move could potentially see these sites being acquired by other businesses, while some may face closure as franchises are relocated. However, it means that roughly 1,000 staff members will either have to move to work for a new owner or take voluntary redundancy. The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has called for immediate Government intervention to find new ways of saving the branches. CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: "The Post Office's claim that these community services will be maintained by their failed franchising model is laughable to anyone who has seen their local Post Office services reduced to the back of a shop.

"The sell-off of WH Smith last week shows just how fragile and ill-thought out this model is. This is the full privatisation of the Post Office via the back door."

Post Office Chairman Nigel Railton said the move will help deliver a new deal for postmasters.

He said: "By franchising these branches, we are protecting access to our services for communities right across the UK and realising £40m worth of savings that will enable us to uplift postmasters' remuneration by up to 10%."

While no exact timeline has been provided for when these branches will be transferred, it is anticipated that the process will be finalised by the close of 2025.