BT Group to award highest pay rise to frontline workers in over 20 years

Following the conclusion of negotiations with the Communications Workers Union (CWU), BT Group plans to award all frontline workers across each of its brands (BT, Openreach, Plusnet and EE) a £1,500 consolidated pay increase to their annual salaries, effective from 1 April 2022. This represents an increase of up to 8% for some colleagues and more than 3% for even the highest paid frontline workers. This contrasts well with the average of 3% typically being awarded by UK employers.

The UK is emerging from a two-year global pandemic which has created difficult trading conditions for BT Group and has exacerbated a trend of year-on-year revenue declines over the last five years. BT Group’s current pay rates compare well against competitors and in most cases remain at or above the market rate.

Philip Jansen, Chief Executive, BT Group, said:

“BT Group has continued to support the country as it recovers from the pandemic: keeping families connected, helping businesses to grow in new, online markets and supporting organisations to stay connected and adopt hybrid working. We took the decision not to use redundancy and the government’s furlough scheme as a direct consequence of the pandemic, and thanks to the contribution of all 100,000 BT people, we’ve continued to improve customer ratings and invest in growing our full-fibre and mobile networks. 

“While we have continued to extend and strengthen our networks to support the country’s recovery, the pandemic has hit our financial performance, like that of most companies. We know that the cost of living continues to rise and by making this award, we’re ensuring that our lower paid workers will benefit most and as soon as possible. I’m pleased that we’ve been able to make this pay award – the biggest in 20 years - to thank our colleagues and recognise their hard work.” 

The Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents frontline BT Group colleagues, remains a key business partner and is currently consulting with their members on this award. 

In 2021, BT Group paid frontline workers a £1,000 cash payment in addition to an award of £500 worth of BT Group shares - this was equivalent to a 5% increase to the average salary.