BT Group CEO warns AI could deepen job cuts: leaner workforce by 2030

BT Group’s CEO Allison Kirkby signals that AI integration may push job cuts beyond the planned 55,000, aiming for £3 billion in savings by 2030. This evolving strategy highlights the telecom giant’s drive to become more efficient amid rapid technological change.

Sources:
IndexBox
Updated 9h ago
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Sources: IndexBox
BT Group CEO Allison Kirkby has cautioned that artificial intelligence (AI) could deepen job cuts beyond the company's existing plans, potentially leading to a significantly leaner workforce by 2030.

Kirkby, who took over as CEO a year ago, highlighted that while BT aims to cut over 40,000 jobs and save £3 billion ($4 billion) by the decade's end, the full impact of AI might push these reductions further. This reflects a strategic shift towards greater operational efficiency driven by AI integration.

"The company's current plans to cut over 40,000 jobs and reduce costs by £3 billion might not fully capture AI's potential," Kirkby noted, signaling ongoing workforce transformation.

Previously, BT had announced intentions to reduce its workforce by up to 55,000, including contractors, by 2030, aiming for a leaner, more cost-effective operation.

Despite these challenges, BT has reported strong financial performance, with broadband operations contributing to over £900 million in cost savings. These savings have bolstered the company's full-year earnings and cash flow, underscoring the financial benefits of its efficiency drive.

Kirkby's comments underscore the growing influence of AI on employment within major corporations, highlighting the balance between technological advancement and workforce impact.

As AI continues to evolve, BT's experience may serve as a bellwether for other companies navigating similar transformations in the telecom sector and beyond.
Sources: IndexBox
BT Group CEO Allison Kirkby warned that artificial intelligence could accelerate job cuts beyond the planned 40,000 reductions by 2030, aiming for a leaner workforce and £3 billion in cost savings. The telecom giant has already saved over £900 million, boosting earnings despite workforce challenges.
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The Headline

BT plans major job cuts with AI impact

Key Facts
  • BT had announced plans to reduce its workforce by up to 55,000, including contractors, by the decade's end, relying on a more efficient operation and lowered expenses.IndexBox
  • BT reported broadband achieving over £900 million in cost savings, which bolstered its full-year earnings and cash flow.IndexBox
  • BT Group's Chief Executive, Allison Kirkby, has indicated that the integration of artificial intelligence could lead to further job cuts at the British telecom giant.IndexBox
  • Kirkby mentioned that the company's current plans to cut over 40,000 jobs and reduce costs by £3 billion ($4 billion) by the end of the decade might not fully capture AI's potential.IndexBox
  • Kirkby suggested that BT might become even leaner by 2030, depending on AI developments.IndexBox
BT Group's Chief Executive, Allison Kirkby, has indicated that the integration of artificial intelligence could lead to further at the British telecom giant.
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Key Stats at a Glance
Broadband cost savings
£900 million
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Cost reduction target
£3 billion
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Target year for leaner workforce
2030
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Background Context

Leadership change at BT Group

Key Facts
  • Allison Kirkby succeeded Philip Jansen as CEO of BT Group a year ago.IndexBox
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