BT tells managers to prepare for strike action

BT is making preparations for industrial action over fears that staff could strike for the first time since 1985 in a row over pay.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents 55,000 staff and is BT’s biggest union, is poised to announce a ballot for strike action over the company’s 2% pay offer. The CWU is seeking a 5% rise.

According to an internal e-mail seen by the BBC, managers are being asked to provide details of their broader skills for use in the event of disruption.

A BT spokesman confirmed the plans were in place. “While we hope to agree a pay deal, each line of the business will be making preparations for the possibility of strike action,” he told the BBC.

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The e-mail asks managers to tell the company about any useful abilities they may have, even though they may be from a number of years ago.

Earlier this month, BT reported it returned to profit, making £1bn in the year to 31 March.