The union for professionals and managers in BT also hailed the fact that a further 200 customer support jobs will be safeguarded.

National Secretary Ben Marshall said: “On budget day, when the news will be bleak for jobs and investment, Prospect welcomes the move by BT to create 400 jobs in this exciting industry.

“What's more, these jobs will be spread across the UK in areas hard hit by the recession – Lancashire, Kent, Cornwall, the north-east, north-west and Scotland. This will provide a much needed boost for these local economies.”

Prospect represents BT's 24,000 managers and professionals, and many more across the UK in the telecoms, media and IT sector.