BT CEO warns AI could trigger layoffs beyond planned 40,000
15 Jun 2025

BT Group's CEO Allison Kirkby has hinted that the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to even more job cuts in the company.

The Financial Times reported her as saying that the current plan to cut over 40,000 jobs by 2030 and save £3 billion ($4 billion) in costs does not fully account for AI's potential impact on workforce requirements.

Kirkby says AI could make BT 'even smaller'
Future implications

Kirkby said, "Depending on what we learn from AI... there may be an opportunity for BT to be even smaller by the end of the decade."

This statement hints at a future where AI could lead to further job cuts and possibly even a reduction in the size of the company itself.

BT announced job cuts in 2023
Job reduction

Back in 2023, BT had announced plans to cut as many as 55,000 jobs, including contractors, by 2030.

The then-CEO Philip Jansen had said that the company would rely on a much smaller workforce and significantly reduced cost base by the end of the decade.

Kirkby, who took over from Jansen last year, has also hinted at a possible future spin-off of Openreach, the company's network infrastructure business.

Strong demand for fiber broadband
Business strategy

Kirkby has said that the value of Openreach is not reflected in BT's share price.

If this continues, she said, "We would absolutely have to look at options."

Despite the challenges in its business and consumer units, BT recently reported strong demand for fiber broadband and over £900 million in cost savings. This helped boost its full-year earnings and cash flow.

About the company
Profile

BT Group, formerly known as British Telecom, is a London-based British multinational telecommunications holding company.

As the UK's leading provider of fixed-line, broadband, and mobile services, it also offers TV and IT solutions.

Serving over 30 million customers, BT reported £20.4 billion in revenue for the year ending March 2025.