Closure of BT office in Londonderry would be ‘devastating’ blow, says Eastwood

By David Young (PA)

The proposed closure of BT’s office in Londonderry would be “devastating” for the city, the MP for the area has said.

Colum Eastwood was speaking after the telecoms company announced a consultation with the Derry workforce on a closure plan.

Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said 140 jobs were at risk.

BT has said some workers will be given the opportunity to relocate to its main Northern Ireland operation, at Riverside Tower in Belfast city centre.

Stormont’s Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald said she had met with BT and told them the plans are contrary to her drive for regional balance.

It is understood BT considers the Derry office premises no longer fit for purpose.

“This is devastating news for BT workers, their families and the broader local economy in Derry,” said SDLP representative Mr Eastwood.

“At a time when we need to be investing more in jobs and opportunities in our city, the proposed loss of these jobs will have a serious impact.

“I am in touch with senior leaders at BT about these plans and am relaying the outrage in Derry that staff and the whole community will be feeling.

“Relocating these roles to India and Belfast is a mistake, it makes regional economic imbalances worse and it’s a direct transfer of opportunity from our city to other places that do not need it.

“I will be raising this matter directly with ministers in London and Belfast.

“Both have indicated their commitment to addressing the opportunity gap and it’s time that they put their money where their mouth is.”

Ms Archibald said the move by BT was “deeply disappointing”.

She said: “As a significant employer in Derry for many years, this announcement will be of real concern to BT workers and the wider local community.

“I met with the company this afternoon and made clear that these plans are entirely contrary to my drive for regional balance.

“I offered the support of my department and Invest NI to retain the jobs in Derry but unfortunately the company is proceeding with its consultation.

“Invest NI will however be working with staff affected to offer retraining and to help them with other job opportunities.”

Sinn Fein MLA for the area Padraig Delargy said: “It’s extremely concerning that BT is planning to move jobs out of Derry to Belfast and overseas.

“I want to extend my full solidarity to the workers affected by this decision.

“At a time when the north west is growing as an exciting place to live, work and study in, BT’s announcement flies in the face of the economic consensus which is to create regional balance.

“Most importantly, it is a hugely concerning announcement for workers and their families.”

In a statement, a BT Group spokesperson said: “BT is going through an ambitious modernisation programme and consolidating buildings within its estate from more than 300 to closer to 30, modern workspaces.

“We are considering closing our office in Derry-Londonderry and we are consulting with colleagues and their unions on our proposals.

“Where appropriate, people will be given the opportunity to relocate to other roles at our Riverside Tower office in Belfast, which benefited from a multi-million pound refurbishment in 2023 and which is home to around 2,000 people.

“Benefiting from a state-of-the-art workplace, there are also greater career opportunities within a larger location for colleagues. There’s no impact to customers from these proposals.”

The spokesperson added: “BT Group remains committed to Northern Ireland, building full fibre broadband further and faster than anyone else.”

The BT headquarters in Derry where job losses have been announced. Picture Margaret McLaughlin (MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN PHOTOGRAPHY )