BT staff told to find temporary work elsewhere in bid to battle redundancies

BT is to 'loan' out its staff in a desperate attempt to avoid redundancies. Workers at the telecoms giant are being encouraged to move temporarily to other companies or public sector jobs.

They are being told it may be the only way for them to stay in employment. Staff are being seconded to other organisations for at least a month in a bid to avoid redundancies

The scheme is being offered to those still employed by BT but who are no longer working on a specific project. The company has in the past offered secondments to Government and charitable organisations, who pay their wages for the loan period. It is extending this to stints with other private companies.

Reports had suggested the group would even consider lending staff to its rivals, as these are the only companies that need the same skills.

But a spokesman for BT said no staff had been seconded to direct competitors. He said they were instead being asked to volunteer to spend at least a month at companies in 'like-minded industries'.

He said: 'This approach is good for our people, bringing new work and challenges, and is good for the organisations concerned, as we make available a qualified and experienced workforce.'

He added: 'It is another innovative way to help keep employees during these tough economic times.' BT has suspended pay increases and cut staff numbers, including contractors, by 15,000 in the past year to 147,000. A similar amount of cuts are expected this year.

Source: The Mail, 19th June, 2009

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