There is concern that the future of BT in Enniskillen could be at risk after a local MLA said he was informed the company may close their site in the town.

Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott released a statement saying he was both shocked and deeply concerned after being informed that BT Group may close its EE (formally BT) office site that employs hundreds of across the local community.

However, BT Group said no decision was made on the future of Enniskillen. Staff are being offered a voluntary leavers package and were informed of this today (Thursday).

“It is deeply troubling that BT Group have today announced that they are considering closing the Enniskillen site," Mr. Elliott said.  

"Reasons stated for potential closure is that a number of buildings across their estate are ‘not fit for purpose’. 

"BT Group state they have been investing within their estate since 2019 with ‘brilliant new and refurbished buildings’ but I ask this where is Enniskillen’s investment in this and was it ever considered?

"After all BT Group recorded £1.1 billion in profit last year alone. It would seem an easy scapegoat that at the end of their five-year plan for investment they pour cold water on the future of Enniskillen.

“Many across Fermanagh will know at least someone who is or was employed at the site throughout the years. It is a vital hub of employment with loyal and dedicated staff, it’s closure would have a detrimental effect on the regional inequality that already exists across Northern Ireland that disproportionally affects the West.

“I have requested an urgent meeting with BT to discuss pathways forward and I will be writing to the New Economy Minister to outline my concerns.”

BT Group were contacted in response to the concerns with a spokesperson saying: "BT Group is undertaking an ambitious modernisation programme and consolidating buildings within its estate.

"We are currently reviewing our contact centre in Enniskillen and have offered colleagues the opportunity to take our voluntary paid leavers package.

"No decision has been made on the future of our Enniskillen contact centre and no customers will be impacted by today’s announcement.”

“BT Group remains committed to Northern Ireland, building fibre broadband further and faster than anyone else. We’ve already reached more than 795,000 homes and businesses, making Northern Ireland the most digitally connected region in the UK with more than 87 per cent of premises now having access to full fibre broadband.

“Our mobile network, EE, was first to launch 5G, with Belfast being one of the first locations to be connected. On 4G, EE covers 87 per cent of Northern Ireland's geography and counting and we continue to expand our network to more areas every week, including in rural areas. Our flagship Riverside Tower office in Belfast, home to approximately 2,000 colleagues, has also just reopened after a multi-million pound upgrade.”