CWU welcomes 300 new BT jobs
18th November 2011
The Communication Workers Union today (Friday) welcomes
the announcement that around 300 new jobs are being created by BT
at their Sandwell site in West Bromwich. CWU has been closely
involved in ensuring these jobs are permanent, directly-employed
posts based in the UK.
The new jobs at BT's flagship complex, Providence Place,
have been made possible as a result of positive discussions between
BT and the Communications Workers Union. These discussions have
helped ensure the new jobs are permanent BT roles - rather than
third party roles - and are based in the UK.
Andy Kerr, CWU deputy general secretary,
said: "This is a good news story for everyone at BT and for
job-hunters in the Sandwell area.
"We've worked closely with BT to create these jobs in
the UK and we're really pleased that the outcome is permanent,
stable and directly-employed jobs. For us this is the best scenario
as it offers job security and real investment for the local
economy.
"We hope that this model will be used in the future to
create more permanent UK-based jobs in BT customers services and
other areas."
The new facilities at Providence Place are part of BT Transform
Sandwell - BT's partnership with Sandwell Council aimed at
revolutionising business in the area. Under this partnership, BT
made an earlier promise to create 450 roles at the complex. This
announcement, together with other roles BT has created to date,
will see the company more than deliver on that promise.
Ian Livingston, BT's chief executive, said:
"We're delighted to be offering new employment
opportunities to people in West Bromwich and Sandwell. We all know
how difficult the job market is, so the fact BT is bringing more
than 300 further roles to the area is great news and is a
reflection of the efforts and cooperation of both the CWU and
Sandwell council."
Recruitment for the customer service jobs started this week and
will continue over the next couple of months. Full training and
support will be given to new recruits.
Jan Britton, chief executive of Sandwell Council, said: "BT's jobs announcement is great news for West Bromwich and Sandwell. Our partnership with BT is making a major contribution to the local job market and economy."
