Ellesmere Port and Bromborough MP urges rethink over BT jobs threat

Justin Madders MP has stepped up pressure on BT to reconsider plans to move more than 600 roles out of Liverpool City Region after being contacted by affected constituents.

The Ellesmere Port and Bromborough MP has joined political leaders from across the region in opposing plans to close BT's operation at The Plaza in Liverpool when its lease expires in March 2027 and relocate staff primarily to Manchester and Leeds.

Mr Madders said:

"Moving more than 600 good, skilled jobs out of the Liverpool City Region would have serious consequences for workers and their families right across our area.

"I've heard directly from constituents who are understandably worried about their futures. We should be looking at every option, including greater flexibility around remote and hybrid working where people's roles allow it.

"BT is reportedly in line for a £2 billion-plus windfall over the next decade from selling copper recovered as it upgrades its network. Against that backdrop, it is even harder to accept that every possible alternative isn't being properly explored.

"BT should pause these plans, work constructively with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and political leaders and think again."

Mr Madders was among local Labour politicians to sign a joint letter to BT Group Chief Executive Allison Kirkby calling on the company to put its plans on hold and explore alternatives to withdrawing from Liverpool. Other signatories included Liverpool Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson, Wirral Council leader Paula Basnett, Angela Eagle, MP for Wallasey and Kim Johnson, MP for Liverpool Riverside.

He has also raised greater use of remote and hybrid working with the union after hearing directly from constituents concerned about the proposals.

The CWU has confirmed that retaining a presence in Liverpool alongside flexible or hybrid working, where appropriate, is among the alternatives being put to BT.

Political leaders and the union are calling for an 18-month pause to allow other options, including alternative office accommodation in Liverpool, to be explored.

Pictured - Ellesmere Port and Bromborough MP Justin Madders.