BT trims workforce by nearly 8,000 as cost‑saving drive accelerates

The Guardian reported that BT has reduced its staff numbers by almost 8,000 since the end of March, bringing the headcount down by 7,731 to 90,000. The figure excludes employees in the company's international division, which is being separated in a joint venture with US telecoms firm Verizon. Two years ago, the group employed roughly 130,000 people, including contractors. The cuts are part of a broader programme aimed at trimming costs across the business. In the six months to the end of September, BT posted a pre‑tax profit of £1.1 billion, and its share price reached a five‑year high, according to the same source. The job reductions and the profit surge come as the telecoms group reshapes its operations ahead of the spin‑off of its international arm.

Why it matters

The layoffs signal BT's aggressive effort to streamline costs while it records strong profit growth and prepares a major joint venture with Verizon.

Key details

Location

United States · Americas

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

5 Nov 2026, 20:10 IST

Key names

BT, Business, Verizon

Section

Business

Figure cited

The telecoms group said its workforce had fallen by 7,731 to 90,000, excluding staff in its international business, which is being spun out in a joint venture with the US telecoms company Verizon. (The Guardian)

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianBT cuts almost 8,000 jobs amid sweeping cost-saving programme 5 Nov, 20:10

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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