Telecoms and broadband giant BT has announced that, as part of their ongoing UK programme to modernise and consolidate the number of offices they have, they’ve decided to close their Enniskillen Contact Centre in Northern Ireland. The move is expected to result in the loss of around 300 jobs from the site.
The Broadmeadow Place site is now expected to be formally closed by the end of October 2024. Some staff members may be able to move to a different site, although for many others this is likely to be impractical.
According to BT’s spokesperson: “We have now made the difficult decision to propose closing the site to the small number of remaining desk-based colleagues on 31st October and have entered into consultation with colleagues and trade union partners. We will continue to support all impacted colleagues throughout this process. These proposals will have no impact for customers.”
BT added that it would continue to make significant investments in the rollout of full fibre (FTTP) broadband and 5G mobile connectivity across Northern Ireland.
Deirdre Hargey, N.I Economy Minister, said:
“It is extremely disappointing that BT has decided to close its Enniskillen contact centre with a loss of 300 jobs. As a major employer in the region for over three decades, this decision is devastating for the workers and their families, and also for the wider community.
In line with his commitment to regional balance Conor Murphy met with both CWU representatives and BT to retain these skilled jobs. He also supported Invest NI’s concerted efforts to work with BT to find an alternative site within Enniskillen so these jobs could be retained. I have asked Invest NI to ensure every step possible is taken to support the staff impacted.”