AI could lead to more job cuts at BT, says chief executive

Allison Kirkby said she did not believe the value of Openreach, BT’s broadband network business, was reflected in its share price. Photograph: MediaWorldImages/Alamy

The chief executive of BT has said that advances in artificial intelligence could presage deeper jobs cuts at the FTSE 100 telecoms company, which has already outlined plans to shed up to 55,000 workers.

Two years ago, the company said that between 40,000 and 55,000 jobs would be axed as it set out to become a “leaner” business by the end of the decade.