News

UNI's British affiliates, Connect and CWU, are concerned that BT management's approach on Performance Management is putting unacceptable pressure on the members.

Both Connect and CWU members have cited numerous occasions where arbitrary targets have been set for PiPs (e.g. bottom 10% must be on PiPs, someone on every team) despite it being completely contrary to BT policy. Both unions have raised these issues when they have arisen and successfully had those dealt with but are concerned that this remains the approach from far too many senior managers.

Connect and CWU deplore the pressure brought on Connect members who are threatened by their managers that if they don't put their staff on PiPs, they will be placed on PiPs themselves.

Connect and CWU reject this management approach that leads to an intimidating and aggressive

atmosphere in BT workplaces, which can only undermine BT's stated goal of being a high performing company. Our members deserve to be treated with dignity and respect at work.

Performance Management must be about positively motivating BT people to get the best from BT people, not about 'managed exits' and not to arbitrary timetables.

Connect and CWU are committed to working together to ensure that BT's senior management are held to account for management style and behaviour in our workplaces. Our members are committed to the success of BT in these difficult economic circumstances; BT must commit to eradicating unacceptable management practices. Connect and CWU are pressing BT to make that commitment.

Adrian Askew, General Secretary, Connect

Andy Kerr, CWU Deputy General Secretary (Telecoms & Financial Services)