CORRESPONDENCE from BT to one of its employees shows that it is still unwilling to provide certainty to workers on the planned closure in Enniskillen.

A confidential email, and information relating to a session on the Voluntary Paid Leavers (VPL) scheme, has been obtained by The Impartial Reporter. 

In the email, ambiguity abounds as a worker, who wished to remain anonymous, was told that BT was "considering closing the site" as it has "not been identified as a long-term location for a customer contact centre."

 "When, and if, we have a proposal for a specific exit date we will consult with colleagues and unions in line with our usual procedures at the appropriate time," the email stated. 

"This is likely to be later this year."

Details of the VPL scheme were then given, with the company again stating, "We're not ready to make an announcement on the specific date for a proposed exit timeframe. 

"We don't know exactly when this may be and cannot give any further information other than to say it may be later this year."

The employee told The Impartial Reporter that staff are "sick of the BT statement that 'no decision has been made'."

Referencing the closure of Enniskillen, correspondence stated that BT had been "working hard to bring colleagues together in a smaller number of future fit buildings", but that "some of our locations have not been fit for purpose and will require significant investment."

"We have additional capacity in a few locations which gives us the opportunity to grow our teams there.

"In addition, these buildings have already benefitted from full make-overs so they are great working environments for our people".

In relation to the VPL scheme, BT said applications opened in February, and close on March 8. However, the deadline has since been pushed back to March 29 following pressure from trade unions.

The terms of the VLP scheme, which is then described as "enhanced voluntary severance", will see employees receive one month's eligible pay multiplied by years of service. A two-month minimum payment is available, and a maximum 12-month payment. 

Those who are successful in the VLP scheme will receive payment on their normal pay date the following month after their last day of employment. 

Correspondence also stated that BT is unable to provide any financial advice or make any recommendations to employees. 

After March 29, the earliest possible leave date for employees will be July 31.

"Outplacement support" will provided from October onwards, while the last day of service for employees on the VPL scheme will be on December 31.