- BT plans to shut its Belfast office, drawing sharp criticism from Northern Ireland’s political leaders.
- The closure threatens jobs and contradicts the UK Government’s promises on regional economic support.
What happened: Stormont ministers criticise telecoms giant over move to axe key site amid regional jobs push
BT Group is facing mounting criticism over its decision to close its Riverside Tower office in Belfast, a move that could see hundreds of jobs either relocated or lost. The telecoms company announced plans to shut the site by 2026 as part of a UK-wide property consolidation strategy. It intends to focus operations in 30 locations known as “UK hubs” such as Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol, but not Belfast.
BT stated that affected employees will be supported and may be offered roles in other hubs. However, Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister Conor Murphy, speaking on behalf of the devolved government, condemned the move, saying it undermines the region’s economic growth plans. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly also said the closure “flies in the face” of the UK Government’s pledge to rebalance economic opportunity across the country.
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Why it is important
BT’s decision is a significant blow to Northern Ireland’s ambitions for regional tech sector growth and economic decentralisation. Despite repeated assurances from the UK Government to “level up” regions beyond London and the South East, the withdrawal of a major employer like BT from Belfast contradicts this narrative. With over 300 staff based in the Riverside Tower, the closure poses not only an employment risk but also a reputational concern for inward investment.
Northern Ireland already faces challenges in attracting high-quality digital and tech roles. Losing a high-profile firm like BT sends a troubling signal to both local talent and potential investors. As public sector support has focused on bolstering tech ecosystems in cities like Belfast, the lack of a BT hub presence directly undermines those efforts. Industry observers say this could deepen the digital divide between regions and reduce resilience in Northern Ireland’s economy.
