Business news and discussion on TalkFuse.
BT cuts almost 8,000 jobs amid sweeping cost-saving programme
BT has cut 7,731 jobs since the end of March as it pursues a broad cost-saving programme, with most reductions at Openreach as fibre network construction slows. The cuts helped lift pre-tax profit by 12% to £1.1bn in the six months to September, while BT’s share price rose to a five-year high.
The workforce now stands at about 90,000, excluding the international business being spun out with Verizon; BT expects it to fall to between 75,000 and 80,000 by 2030. Chief executive Allison Kirkby raised the savings target to £3.7bn by 2030, and Openreach’s full-fibre network has reached 24.1m homes, with 25m targeted by year-end. BT is also pursuing a £400m takeover of TalkTalk, which employs about 900 people and supplies services to 2.5m households, pending regulatory review.
In short
- BT has cut 7,731 jobs since March.
- Six-month pre-tax profit rose 12% to £1.1bn.
- Openreach aims to reach 25m homes with full fibre by year-end.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
BT can argue that reducing costs is necessary as fibre construction slows and the company shifts towards a leaner operating model. The savings may strengthen profitability and help fund network investment, while the expansion of full-fibre coverage could benefit households and businesses over time.
The case against
Critics can argue that cutting thousands of jobs risks harming workers, local communities and the quality of customer service, even as profits rise. They may also question whether further reductions and a takeover of a provider employing about 900 people put cost savings and shareholder returns ahead of employment and competition concerns.
Business Economy Software Technology World