Security review at BT HQ triggers nerve-wracking redundancy selection process for 17

Telecoms & Financial Services, BT February 16 2023

Close tabs are being kept on a redundancy consultation involving 17 security officers based at BT’s One Braham headquarters following the decision to downsize their number by nearly half.

The unexpected  move, which was announced to impacted employees by outsourced guarding services provider ISS yesterday (Wednesday) , follows a review of the central London premises’ guarding requirements that had been driven  by BT’s desire to cut costs and ‘rightsize’ security arrangements  in the light of what the company believes are diminished risk factors

Operational reasons given for the change include the increase of CCTV coverage of One Braham’s perimeter, a new Security Forum and crime prevention initiatives in the Aldgate area and the perception that the area is becoming safer on account of increased footfall and increased engagement with local police.

As such, ISS is proposing to reduce the overall hours for security cover from 1,488 hours a week to 866 – to be covered by nine security officers, eight fewer than at present.

Those remaining roles , plus two  new ‘patrol officers’ and potentially a ‘senior supervisor’ role that is currently vacant will subject to a selection process based on a range of factors including length of service, absence records (excluding sickness) recognition awards, qualifications and disciplinary records.

“We recognise that this is a very unsettling time for our security members at One Braham,” stresses CWU national officer for ISS, Tracey Fussey.

“The CWU National Team is carefully reviewing the proposals and has asked local branches to urgently escalate any concerns they have regarding the reduced security guarding services on site.

“In the meantime, I’d urge impacted members to immediately make contact with their local branch to ensure they are accompanied through the consultation process and that any counter-proposals are properly and forcefully represented.

“Above everything we are intent on ensuring that every possible support is afforded to members during what will inevitably be a nerve-wracking period for all involved,” Tracey concludes.