Some 350 TV licensing members of staff may be facing redundancy after a review of the businesses by Capita.

The Communication Workers Union described the move as "callous", with compulsory redundancies likely to hit employees in Bristol particularly hard.

A spokesman for Capita stated a revised delivery model is necessary if it is to be able to meet the demands of the contract in the future.

"We will now commence a formal consultation period with employees and their nominated trade union representatives to ensure that all possible options are explored," he said, adding an office will be retained in Bristol by the organisation.

Communication Workers Union officer Andy Furey described the news as "devastating" for workers in Bristol and other sites likely to be affected, such as Glasgow.

This comes shortly after Deloitte announced 1,600 members of staff from the Priceless chain of shoe shops owned by Barratts are facing redundancy.