BT set to close 90% of offices to consolidate UK footprint

● Telecoms giant will close around 270 of 300 UK sites ● Edinburgh site named as a key ‘office of the future’

BT is to close 270 offices in a move described as the biggest programme of its type in the UK.

The telecommunications giant said it will slash its more than 300 UK office locations to around 30 as it consolidates it national footprint by roughly 90 per cent.

Around 52,000 people are currently employed across the 300 sites, however BT emphasised that no jobs will be lost as a result of the move.

Edinburgh has now been revealed as one of the first eight locations that will house the company’s “workplaces of the future” after it transitions to the new structure.

Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Ipswich, London and Manchester have also been announced as key locations for the group going forward, with further sites to be named in due course.

BT said the future offices will be house its workers in “modern, future-fit buildings, including corporate offices, contact centres and specialist sites”.

Although full details of the restructure plans are still to be finalised, the company pledged that existing buildings in some areas will be refurbished while new spaces will be sought in others.

It also pointed to the eight choice lo cations as pro of of the company’s commitment “to the whole of the UK”, with bases planned in all four countries and their capitals.

BT announced plans in May last year to cut 13,000 jobs over the coming three -years as it chases cost savings of £1.5 billion.

Chief executive Philip Jansen said :“The Better Workplace Programme is about bringing our people together in brilliant spaces, and transforming the way we work. Revealing these eight locations is just the first step; we have dedicated teams working on identifying the best buildings to move into and which ones to rede - sign for the future.

“As a result of this prog ram me,BT people will be housed in inspiring offices that are better for our business and better for our customers.”

Noel Mcclean, national officer of the Prospect union, commented: “While the union is committed to working with BT to establish offices that are fit for the 21st century, what is left unsaid in today’s announce - ment is what will happen to the current estate.

“Indeed, moving from an estate of over 300 lo cations to around 30 by 2023 poses a huge logistical challenge for all concerned.

“For example, closing each existing building will require a period of consultation and considerable support for affected staff, from both the company and the union.”

As announced in May last year, the group will exit its St Paul’s headquarters in London– where it has roots dating back to 1874– and is currently seeking a new base in the capital.

hannah.burley@jpimedia.co.uk