Failed BT boss recieved £1.6 million payoff

An ex-chief executive, considered responsible for BT's huge losses this year, has received a 1.6 million pay off.

It was revealed in the company's annual report that Francois Barrault, previously the head of Global Services, received a total package of over 2 million including a one-off termination payment when he stepped down in November of last year.

A spokesperson from BT told IT PRO: "Francois, as per his contract, received payments adding up to 2.85 million, this is inclusive of the period he worked during the year (two thirds of the year) and his termination payment. Francois did not receive a bonus. Francois' payment is in strict accordance with his contract."

Two weeks ago, BT announced 15,000 job cuts, amounting to 10 per cent of its workforce, and losses of 1.5 billion blamed on Barrault's department.

Andy Kerr, Communications Workers Union deputy general secretary, said in a statement: "Francois Barrault's pay-off is outrageous. He is being rewarded for failure." "This gives the wrong signal to staff at a time when they are being asked to make significant changes to the way they work."

The report also showed that the chief executive for BT, Ian Livingstone, received a bonus of over 300,000.

A BT spokesperson said: "This bonus is based on the non-financial elements of Ian's scorecard - customer service and environmental and social measures. Ian will convert his bonus into shares. He receives no pay rise this year."

Kerr called on the BT to consider all its staff. "BT must look at the big picture when it comes to remuneration. All BT staff deserve a share in company success, not just those at the top."