Council expresses concern at BT job losses
30 April 2025
Members of Derry City and Strabane District Council today voted in favour of a Notice of Motion expressing great concern that BT intends to close their offices in Derry with the loss of up to 140 jobs.
Elected Members, as part of the proposal, agreed to seek an urgent meeting with BT’s Corporate Management to discuss the decision and the impact it will have on the local economy.
At the monthly meeting of Full Council, Elected Members voted unanimously in favour of the notice of motion that stated: “Council will meet with BT Corporate Management to express our concern and the concerns of people across the city feel at the announcement that they will close their Derry facility.
“Council sends its solidarity to BT workers and their families and commits to do everything we can to support them.
“Council will meet with the CWU to offer our support.
“Council requests the Economy Minister and Invest NI work with Council and the trade union to do everything possible to support workers and employment here.”
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr, who chaired the meeting added: “News from BT Group regarding the proposed closure of their Derry office is deeply concerning.
“My immediate thoughts are with the 140 individuals and their families who are directly impacted by this announcement.
“While BT Group outlines their rationale for this decision, citing a modernisation programme and consolidation of their estate, the potential loss of these jobs in our city is a significant blow.
“Our city has a skilled and dedicated workforce and we will work tirelessly to mitigate the impact of this proposed closure and to continue attracting and retaining quality jobs in our city.
“I will be following up with BT Group directly to express these concerns and to advocate for them to reconsider their decision and to take all the necessary steps to protect those impacted in our community.”