BT to close its Plaza office in Liverpool, 601 jobs

BT is closing its office at The Plaza in Liverpool city centre with 601 staff (BT Business, Openreach, outsourced 999 call handlers). Staff were informed on 30 June, public confirmation followed on 10 July; formal consultation starts 20 July 2026. Relocation to Manchester and Leeds is offered but BT admits it is 'not practical' for many, so many face redundancy. Update (29 Jul 2026): Opposition to the closure has turned political. Staff protested outside the Plaza building with backing from the CWU union; Liverpool council leader Liam Robinson, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and MPs Ian Byrne and Peter Dowd called on BT to pause the plans. BT pointed to higher lease costs and is sticking to the closure.