BT must prioritise jobs and bonuses in light of end-year results, says Prospect

Prospect has renewed its call on BT to pause its redundancy programme, and urged the company to reward managers in light of its end of year results.

BT is suspending its shareholder dividend for 2020 and 2021 and cutting by 50%  the dividend for 2022 , a move welcomed by Prospect national secretary John Ferrett.

Ferrett said: “This appears to be a sensible and prudent decision, given what is happening with the COVID-19 crisis and the need for BT to invest billions of pounds into broadband infrastructure over the coming years.

“However, this crisis has also shown how crucial our members are in keeping the UK connected. That, combined with the challenges of broadband expansion, means pausing current redundancies should have been a no brainer.

“The company says it will not consider further redundancies as a result of the coronavirus crisis until ‘at least July’. This provides only short-term comfort. BT should think very carefully about losing any more jobs at a time when their services have proven essential to the whole UK – and with a huge expansion programme on the horizon.”

Overall, the 2019-20 results were within the range of forecasts, said Ferrett. “Our members are feeling burnt by BT’s divisive decision not to award them a pay increase this year, even though team members are to receive 1.5%.

“In light of the end-year results, the company must at least guarantee to pay managers a bonus in June as part reward for keeping the country connected through this unprecedented crisis.”

Prospect is meeting BT weekly to discuss returning to office working in a safe way that prevents any risk of spreading the coronavirus. Many employees who were designated as key workers have been working out in the field throughout the crisis.

Ferrett said health and safety must be the priority during the next steps of the Better Workplace relocation programme, which is currently on hold.