Telecoms giant BT’s move to freeze the pay of all of its UK staff will increase the opportunities for headhunting its top staff, according to recruiters. 

Gavin Chase, practice head, Telecoms, CNA Executive Search, told Recruiter he had been contacted by a number of the company’s staff in the last 24 hours:

“Putting a pay freeze across a 100,000 strong workforce sends out a bad message. I have had a number of people who are top talent in the company approaching me and saying: ‘I need to have an open look at opportunities outside of the company’.”

A spokesperson from BT told The Daily Telegraph: “This has not been an easy decision but, given the tough economic climate, it is important BT meets these challenges head on.

“Other activities include replacing agency staff and contractors with our direct employees, and reducing external recruitment.”