Liverpool is set to lose hundreds of jobs due to an "atrocious" plan, according to Riverside MP Kim Johnson, as BT confirmed it is looking to close down its operations in the city centre.
BT's proposal to leave Liverpool
In July, the Liverpool ECHO published an exclusive report about BT Group's plan to move hundreds of jobs out of Liverpool and leave its offices in The Plaza building on Old Hall Street. The telecommunications firm also has offices in Manchester and Leeds, and is proposing to move some staff to those locations, but said it recognises those options will not be viable for everyone.
BT Group's plan to leave Liverpool was communicated to staff on June 30, with the beginning of the consultation process beginning on July 20. No definite decision has been made on the future of BT in Liverpool, but the ECHO understands the company is currently recruiting for roles in Manchester.
BT's proposal impacts around 600 workers from across BT's remit, which will mean staff being forced to commute to Manchester and Leeds to keep their jobs, while other roles will be cut entirely.
Impact on relay services workers
One particular group of employees seriously affected by the announcement are relay services workers, who enable deaf people to communicate over the phone.
The CWU said this is highly skilled, specialised work is vital for enabling communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing people. The union fears that this may be the 'beginning of the end' for a service which has provided a lifeline for thousands of people across the country.
In response to ongoing developments, and in the hope of BT reconsidering its position, workers and union officials gathered outside the perimeter of the Labour Conference this morning (September 28), and just near the Wheel of Liverpool on Liverpool's waterfront.
Union and MP responses
CWU Deputy General Secretary, Karen Rose said: "The plan put forward by BT will have a huge impact on our members, on the local economy and on the entire region.
"Despite some individuals opting to travel to alternative BT locations, they have also made it clear to us that this is a decision they have been forced into so that they can retain their employment.
"Unfortunately, BT has rejected our alternative proposals and as yet have not accepted the political leaders' offer to work with them to explore other options.
"Consultations are ongoing and we are supporting our local branches and members in their campaign to remain working for BT in Liverpool."
Supporting the campaign is Labour MP Kim Johnson, whose constituency includes the BT offices in The Plaza.
In a statement provided ahead of the protest she said: "There is no sugar coating how atrocious these proposals are.
"In suggesting this move, BT Group are signalling that employees who have been loyally committed to them are completely expendable, and that the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing customers are secondary.
"This move can't be right, and BT must think clearly about the damage it will do to a workforce, a community and a region.
"I urge them to reconsider these suggestions, and to work with the CWU for an option that benefits all."
BT's response
In response to today's protest, including comments by Ms Johnson MP and the CWU's Deputy General Secretary, a spokesperson for BT told us: "We recognise the ongoing concerns raised regarding the proposed changes to our Liverpool office and we take these seriously. Our priority is supporting impacted colleagues.
"We are working hard to ensure that colleagues will be able to relocate to other BT offices in the North, including Manchester and Leeds, and we continue to work closely with our teams on the options available to them.
"We continue to engage with unions, local representatives and MPs, and remain committed to supporting our people throughout these proposed changes."
