The National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP) has reassured its members that it will continue to represent them despite no longer being deemed a trade union.

The NFSP was removed from the list of trade unions by the Certification Office, on the grounds that subpostmasters are not classified, mainly or wholly, as workers for an organisation, a requirement members must adhere to in order to be deemed a trade union.

In a letter sent to its 7,168 members, the organisation stated: “The NFSP will continue as an independent membership organisation, operating in much the same way as we have done in the past.

“In practice, this means if you are in difficulties with Post Office Ltd (POL), we can represent your interests and an NFSP representative can still attend a disciplinary meeting with you. Similarly, the NFSP will continue to negotiate with POL on subpostmasters’ pay and conditions.”

The Post Office Ltd has also stated that the NFSP is the only body it will discuss or consult with on matters affecting operators.