COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION

BT Openreach - Resourcing

Branches and Members have been contacting CWU Headquarters regarding press and media reports of possible outsourcing of all or parts of Openreach.

Both I and the DGST have been in touch with BT to establish whether there is any substance behind the speculation.  I reproduce the text of a briefing being issued by BT internally:

"Recently you may have heard some comment or speculation about a programme to review our external suppliers' arrangements.  Some employees and the unions have raised this matter with BT.

Openreach operates in a dynamic and fast-moving environment and works with a range of partners, suppliers and customers to deliver its business strategy and as you would expect, Openreach continually reviews all aspects of its cost base, operational efficiency and customer service.  Openreach employees are also at the heart of what we do and, no doubt, some of the comment and speculation will be unsettling.  We always consult with employees and the unions prior to any major changes in external supplier relationships.  This has been a platform for building good relationships with suppliers and unions.  This approach will continue.   

BT and Openreach are regularly mentioned in the media however, it is our policy to not comment on specific details of the rumour or speculation."

The statement does not entirely remove grounds for speculation and the CWU will be pressing for a more categoric assurance.

Branches and members will want to know that BT has been warned in no uncertain terms that any plan that would or could adversely affect the status of any member in Openreach as a BT employee will be met with a ballot for industrial action.

As stated earlier, CWU Head Office will continue to seek further assurances from BT so further reports will be issued.

Source: LTB760/08