The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has reacted angrily after BT confirmed plans to outsource its facilities services division to contractors ISS and CBRE from April 2019 in a 5-year deal. The CWU said that the move threatens the job security, terms and conditions of more than 1,700 CWU-represented employees.
In a statement, the union said that the decision puts hundreds of jobs at risk, as well as threatening the reputation of the BT brand. It said the move was a callous decision to cut costs and save money, and that it would campaign vigorously against the plans. The CWU has now launched its #ENDGAME campaign to urge BT to 'stop playing games' with the livelihoods of loyal employees. The campaign aims to highlight the inconsistency of a move that completely turns around BT's 2012 decision to bring Facilities Services back in-house after a previous failed attempt at outsourcing.
BT has told unions that the division was not a core business and not part of the group's 'One BT' plan. It argues that the division has failed to win other facilities services work outside the group, and that 'efficiency savings' can be made by outsourcing the work.
