BT removed diversity targets from its manager bonus scheme as part of restructuring efforts, coinciding with the departure of its chief people and culture officer, Athalie Williams. Despite claims of strong shareholder support and a stated commitment to inclusion, the decision raises concerns about the company's commitment to diversity and fair labor practices amid broader workforce cuts and strategic shifts.

BT Group has published a human rights policy aimed at preventing the use of raw materials associated with the risk of funding armed conflict, demonstrating its commitment to fighting modern slavery and promoting ethical supply chain practices.

BT management imposed a £1,500 pay deal on 58,000 frontline workers without adequate consultation with the union, sparking a potential strike involving almost 40,000 staff. The dispute raises concerns over labor rights and fair consultation practices.

BT Group's responsible business page outlines its commitment to environmental sustainability, digital inclusion, and ethical practices, including reducing carbon emissions, promoting responsible AI, and addressing modern slavery. This initiative reflects the company's effort to support marginalized communities and protect privacy and free expression.

BT Group published its Modern Slavery Statement for the 2023/24 financial year, detailing comprehensive measures against modern slavery including supplier due diligence, on-site assessments, training programs, and a digital Worker Voice pilot across supply chain sites in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The statement also addresses identified risks such as recruitment fee issues with corrective action plans.

At its recent AGM, BT Group plc and its subsidiaries were authorized to make political donations to political organizations. This resolution potentially opens the door for the company to financially influence political processes and, given the lack of transparency about donation allocation, raises concerns about backing groups with authoritarian leanings.

BT Group published its detailed ESG addendum as part of its 2023 Annual Report, outlining its sustainability initiatives, transparent environmental and social governance practices, and strong diversity and inclusion programs aimed at supporting marginalized communities and responsible business operations.

BT Group faces significant labor unrest as over 40,000 BT and Openreach staff, represented by the CWU, staged a strike to protest a modest £1,500 pay rise amid soaring inflation. The workers argue that the pay increase, though touted by BT as the highest in over 20 years, fails to keep pace with the dramatic rise in living costs, thereby undermining worker welfare.

BT Group was ordered by an employment tribunal to pay over £80K to former employee Keisha Daniels after withdrawing internal job offers that were later awarded to white candidates, a decision that the tribunal ruled as discriminatory on racial and gender grounds. The incident highlights concerns over equal opportunities and fair treatment in the company’s labor practices.