Highland MSP 'flexibility' call to BT over for axe-threatened Alness call centre staff ahead of talks with CWU and Prospect unions
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THE prospect scores of Easter Ross BT call centre workers facing redundancy being offered home-working alternatives appears to have been rejected by the telecoms giant.
Up to 100 contracted and agency staff are affected by BT’s plans to close centres in Alness as part of a review of premises not deemed fit for purpose.
Highland MSP Rhoda Grant met with BT to discuss the closure and to raise several concerns and avenues for the company to explore. This included alternative work streams, flexible end dates and working with Blue Arrow, who also have staff working from the buildings.
She said BT were firm that they wanted to close the building and leave Alness but stressed that relocation to Dundee and Manchester is available – and that a very small amount could potentially work from Thurso.
They also stressed that home-working was not possible as their policy nationally was to work in the office three days a week with home working available twice a week.
In the meeting BT commented on their admiration of the Alness community for their resilience in response to this closure. Following the meeting they agreed to meet trade union CWU before October 13 and agreed to work collaboratively with CWU and Prospect.
She voiced disappointment “that this appears to be a take it or leave it situation and there appears to be very little understanding on the impact this closure will have to the wider Alness community and staff who have dedicated decades to this organisation. I also feel perplexed as to why home working is not available – surely there can be flexibility there.” She will monitor trade union involvement.
A BT Group spokesperson said: “Representatives from BT Group recently held a positive meeting with Rhoda Grant MSP, to explain the rationale for its proposed building closure in Alness.
“The proposals form part of BT Group’s strategy to bring people together in a smaller number of office locations.
“We are working closely with our union partners in the Communication Workers Union and Prospect, and will continue to do so throughout the consultation process.”
It's understood the company does have a policy of allowing home working up to two days a week but requires an office presence on at least three days.
The closure of the building is part of the company's wider strategy to consolidate into a smaller number of what it believes to be better office locations which it refers to as its Better Workplace programme.
