Last week the union wrote to you explaining how we had asked BT to both pause any redundancies that were underway and not to initiate any new consultations that would lead to members losing their jobs. However, despite intensive dialogue with the company they have refused to pause the redundancy programme and will not even consider deferring the leaving dates of those who are unable to find an alternative role within the business.

This response from BT is not only tone deaf but inexplicable in the context of a wider economy that has effectively shut down. Indeed, the union believed it had made a powerful argument that the current COVID-19 crisis necessitated an appropriate response from the company, in that a “business as usual” approach to reorganisation was no longer tenable. For example, today the BBC announced it was pausing a redundancy programme impacting on over 400 staff, as a result of the impact of COVID-19. Therefore, we urge BT to do the same, not least to protect their reputation as a good employer.

Unfortunately, our reasonable and measured approach to the crisis is not being reciprocated by the company. On the contrary, BT has made no moves to include the unions in pandemic planning discussions, even though this is the approach being widely adopted across organisations where unions are recognised. Instead of adopting partnership working, to deal with the greatest public health crisis in our lifetimes, the company have chosen to issue communications with no prior notification to the unions.

Last week Prospect pledged their commitment to work in partnership with the business to navigate this crisis and to ensure that BT is able to continue to deliver a high level of service during these unprecedented times. We reiterate that commitment and implore the company to reverse its decision on redundancies and to start working collaboratively with Prospect.