Full Breakdown
BT Plans to Close Liverpool Office, Sparking Union and MP Protest
By Drooid · · How we work
Proposed Closure and Union Action
BT announced that its Old Hall Street office in Liverpool will close when the lease expires in March 2027, with roughly 600 jobs slated for relocation to other UK sites such as Manchester and Leeds. Workers from the Communications Workers Union (CWU) staged a protest outside the Labour Party conference, and Labour MP Lisa Nandy joined the demonstrators to voice support for the staff.
Government and Corporate Responses
The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said the government is seeking a resolution that would keep the jobs in Liverpool, describing the workers’ effort as “outstanding” and noting that retaining the roles would help the city pursue its ambition to become a “world leader in telecommunications.”
A BT Group spokeswoman acknowledged the concerns, stating that the company’s priority is “supporting impacted colleagues” and that relocation options to other northern offices are being explored.
Union and Local Opposition
CWU representatives warned that the loss of 600 positions would have a “massive knock-on effect” on the local economy.
Carl Webb of the CWU stressed the importance of halting the plans, while Wigan MP Lisa Nandy (note: the source attributes the quote to a Wigan MP, but the protest quote is from her) highlighted the personal impact on families and the broader vision for Liverpool’s telecom sector.
Impact on Liverpool’s Economy
Analysts cited by the protestors contend that the relocation could disrupt specialist jobs that have been built up over decades, affecting workers with up to 40 years of service. Mayor Steve Rotheram has pledged investment to cement Liverpool’s status as a telecommunications hub, a goal that union leaders say could be undermined by the office closure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ However the Wigan MP continued: "This is people's families, it's their jobs, it's their lives.” — Wigan MP
- “We believe as a government it is better for these jobs to remain here in the Liverpool City Region and that is why I have come down here today to show my support to the workers who are fighting to keep these jobs here in Liverpool.” — Carl Webb
- “BT has been in Liverpool for a long time, many people have worked for the company for a long time and they're doing some specialist jobs.” — Caroline Gillies, CWU branch secretary
- “There's no reason for them to exit Liverpool whatsoever.” — Caroline Gillies, CWU branch secretary