BT commits to city with search for offices

TELECOMS giant BT is looking at making a multimillion pound move into new offices in Dundee as it commits its future to the city.

BT is one of Dundee’s largest employers, with about 1,000 staff based at its vast premises at West Bell Street, which it leases.

Following an internal review, BT has selected Dundee as one of its key locations – which safeguards those jobs – and it is now looking to provide a “future-fit” workplace.

The firm said it would “review its property options in the city, which could involve looking for a new home for its operations”.

The company is working with partners, including Dundee City Council, to review opportunities which may include sites at the Waterfront development.

Jane Wood, BT Group director in Scotland, said: “This is a real sign of BT’s commitment to Dundee and Scotland generally.

“I’m so pleased we are able to announce this investment at a time when it’s more important than ever to demonstrate our confidence in Scotland’s ability to make a sustainable recovery from the impact of Covid-19.

“We’ll continue to work with our partners in Dundee on potential options to ensure our colleagues have a future-fit workplace.”

Between direct employment and contractors, BT supports about 1,200 jobs in Dundee. The announcement is part of BT’s Better Workplace Programme – one of the largest workplace improvement and consolidation schemes of its type ever undertaken in the UK.

Dundee joins Glasgow and Edinburgh as currently confirmed locations for the company in Scotland.

The five-year programme, due to complete in 2024, is a major investment for BT that will significantly improve and consolidate the company’s footprint of corporate offices, contact centres and specialist sites across the country.

John Alexander, leader of Dundee City Council, said: “We will be working closely with BT on a range of topics to help the company develop its plans.”