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Justin Madders, the MP for Bromborough and Ellesmere Port, has urged BT to reconsider plans to move more than 600 roles within the company outside of the Liverpool City Region.
Mr Madders has taken a stand with other leaders across the region to actively oppose plans to close BT's operation at The Plaza office building on Old Hall Street. The telecommunications company's lease at the building is set to expire in March 2027. They are planning to relocate staff to Leeds and Manchester.
Mr Madders said in a statement: "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."
Mr Madders added that the company is expected to make two million pounds by selling the old copper tables it has been digging up while upgrading their fiber optic broadband. Because of this, he highlights that it is confusing that "every possible alternative isn't being properly explored" to keep staff in Liverpool.
He argued that BT should pause its plans and "work constructively with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and political leaders and think again."
A letter was signed by Mr Madders and other Labour politicians addressed to BT Group Chief Executive Allison Kirkby, urging BT to pause their moving plans and reconsider moving from Liverpool. There is a proposal for an 18-month pause on the relocation.
Many important leaders across the region signed the letter, including Liverpool's Mayor Steve Rotherham, and Wirral Council leader Paula Basnett and Angela Eagle, the MP for Wallasey.
Mr Madders is also urging the company to consider hybrid and remote working options for its Liverpool staff where possible.
Alternatives are being considered by political leaders, including relocating the Liverpool office to elsewhere in the city, but no decision has been made yet.
