Andy Kerr, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “We warmly welcome this strong set of results which are good news for the company, its employees and its shareholders.
“CWU members have been instrumental in securing BT’s financial recovery since the difficulties in 2009, and we welcome Ian Livingston’s tribute to CWU represented employees who he said have ‘worked tirelessly’ on broadband and ‘deserve lots of credit’.
“BT’s continued investment in fibre broadband is also great news for customers, jobs and services. Our members have helped to bring fibre to 10 million premises across the UK months ahead of schedule at a time when the UK Government’s plans for growth and broadband investment are being widely criticised as inadequate. Yesterday’s Queen’s Speech was woefully lacking in any growth agenda for the economy so it’s important to see a major UK company like BT having the foresight to invest in the nation’s future.
“We’ll continue to work with BT with the aim of ensuring that ongoing investment in broadband translates into jobs and skills both now and for the future.”
CWU is the biggest union in the telecoms sector and represents engineers, call centre staff and other non-managerial grades in BT Group.