Tag: BT

BT and Digital Boost launch free mentoring programme for small businesses in Edinburgh

  • BT partners with Digital Boost to upskill small business owners and employees by bringing free mentoring sessions to at least 1,000 firms across the UK
  • New mentoring programme forms part of BT’s Small Business Support Scheme to assist small business during the pandemic and beyond by boosting their connectivity, cashflow and confidence
  • BT has equipped a further 20,000 small businesses with digital skills since the launch of the scheme, as part of its ongoing Skills for Tomorrow programme

BT has launched a new mentoring programme to support small businesses in Edinburgh during the pandemic, in partnership with Digital Boost, a free non-profit platform which unites digital experts with leaders of small businesses.

BT has pledged to deliver free one-to-one coaching sessions to at least 1,000 small businesses and is encouraging small firms across Scotland to register their interest. The initiative is part of its Small Business Support Scheme, which launched last Summer.

The mentoring initiative is open to all BT employees and has been successfully trialled with a number of small businesses prior to launch. BT has enlisted the expertise of its colleagues across the business – including Senior Executives – to upskill small business on a range of topics, including Cyber Security, Marketing, Social Media, Strategy, and more. 

Digital Boost will connect individuals from small businesses with relevant BT experts via its free online platform, where small businesses are able to register their interest in booking a free virtual mentoring session. 

BT launched its Small Business Support scheme last Summer – a broad range of measures to help small businesses get better positioned for growth during and beyond the pandemic. The scheme aims to do this by boosting the connectivity, cashflow and confidence that many small businesses say they lack as a result of the ongoing public health crisis.

The new mentoring programme forms a key part of BT’s efforts to drive skills and optimism amongst small firms, with an earlier survey conducted by BT and Small Business Britain revealing that more than half (53 per cent) lack confidence in the future of their business.

63 per cent of small firms felt they needed more support in marketing and sales; 44 per cent wanted more assistance with digital skills; while 36 per cent lacked skills in building business resilience.

BT is responding to these concerns by opening up access to free, expert advice to 1,000 small firms initially, with a view to further expanding the reach of the programme over the coming months.

Alan Lees, BT director for corporate and public sector in Scotland, said: “Helping small businesses to acquire new skills and boost their confidence during these exceptionally challenging times is a central part of BT’s Small Business Support Scheme.

“We’ve already equipped a further 20,000 small businesses with digital skills since the launch of the scheme and now we’re going even further by introducing a free mentoring programme. By partnering with Digital Boost we can engage our own colleagues around the need to step up and support small businesses, with experts around the businesses volunteering their time as BT mentors.

“Our ambition is to scale this very quickly, involving colleagues from all levels, including the senior leadership team. I would encourage any small businesses in Scotland who feel they would benefit from this direct support to book a spot as soon as possible via the website.”

Sherry Coutu, Founder at Digital Boost, said: “At Digital Boost, we help those who work for and lead small businesses and charities to survive the COVID-19 crisis and be more competitive in the long-run.

“BT is a key partner in our effort to help prepare the UK to build back better after the pandemic.”

Brett O’Brien, Internal Engagement Manager at BT, who has been involved in the pilot of the mentoring scheme, providing his support in sales to a small business, said: “I volunteered to be a Digital Boost mentor as I felt it was my duty to support the small businesses that are trying to weather the storm of COVID-19.

“I have lots of friends and family working in small businesses that are no longer in work so I felt personally motivated to support the small businesses that are fighting for survival.

“My expertise are in sales/partnerships and I have conducted two mentor sessions. The feedback from them was great and I feel a great sense of pride knowing that I’m making a direct impact to help these SMEs stay in business.”

BT has already helped tens of thousands of small businesses acquire new digital skills through its Skills for Tomorrow programme which aims to reach 1 million small business owners and their employees by 2025.  In recent months, BT has launched new learning content on crucial topics – such as how to protect yourself from cyber-attacks and using social media to reach new customers. In the last year alone, BT has delivered over 190 free learning webinars for small businesses.

Small businesses interested in mentoring support can book a free one-to-one coaching session now by visiting: https://www.digitalboost.org.uk/

BT is also acutely aware that it’s an extremely worrying and uncertain time for small businesses and is also providing access to expertise to small business leaders around maintaining wellbeing by boosting their mental and physical health.

A free online Wellbeing Toolkit is already available and a webinar series specifically designed for small businesses will launch next month.

BT adds £1.2 billion to the Scottish economy

BT SUPPORTS MORE THAN 12,400 SCOTTISH JOBS, ACCORDING TO INDEPENDENT REPORT 

Vital contribution made to economy continues during Covid-19 pandemic 

  • BT Group employs 1 in every 10 employees in IT and communications sector in Scotland
  • Around 12,400 total jobs supported through direct and indirect effects
  • £167 million annual supply chain spend in Scotland

BT Group, its spend with contractors and suppliers, and the spending power of its employees, are responsible for supporting more than 12,400 jobs in Scotland, according to an independent report published today.  

The Economic Impact of BT Group in the UK report, by consultancy firm Hatch, calculates that the communications and technology company generated more than £24 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy during the last financial year, including £1.2 billion in Scotland alone*.

The report estimates that around 12,400 full-time jobs in Scotland are supported by BT Group through direct and indirect effects. The firm also spent £167 million with suppliers based in Scotland, including those in the retail, construction and telecommunications industries.

BT Group has broadband and mobile networks spanning from the Scilly Isles to Shetland, built and maintained by some of the 82,800 direct employees it has in the UK. In the Scotland, the firm directly employs 7,240 people, with a further 205 employed as contractors.

The company is currently modernising its business, including investing in the UK’s largest workplace consolidation and modernisation programme, as it moves from 300 locations to around 30 as part of its Better Workplace programme. 

The firm has announced plans to refurbish and expand its office in Glasgow as well as confirming plans for offices in Edinburgh and Dundee. More announcements are expected later this year, providing future-fit workplaces of the future for thousands of colleagues.

Last week BT unveiled plans to recruit dozens more apprentices and graduates in Scotland for its September 2021 intake. Meanwhile, Openreach, the digital network business, part of BT Group, announced in December that it would create 275 new full time engineering roles across Scotland this year.

Mark Dames, BT Group head of external affairs Scotland, said: “I’m immensely proud of the contribution our colleagues make in supporting the Scottish economy. At an important time for our country, our spending on people, networks and suppliers provides a vital economic boost. The wider impact of that spending helps to sustain communities and small businesses right across Scotland.  

“In the past year, having good connectivity has become more important than ever as we’ve all had to work, learn and spend more leisure time online. 

“Despite these challenges, our dedicated and determined colleagues have ensured EE’s 5G network has been extended to cover 125 UK towns and cities, including Stirling, Aberdeen and North Lanarkshire, built out Openreach’s full-fibre network to reach 4.1 million UK premises and EE’s 4G network now reaches 85 per cent of the UK. 

“I know these significant investments will help to underpin the country’s economic recovery post-Covid.” 

Employees from across BT Group, which includes Openreach, EE and Plusnet, have played a key role in keeping the country connected during the pandemic. The company has provided critical support to the NHS, SMEs via its Small Business Support Scheme and school children by providing unlimited broadband and mobile data, free and mobile data, free BT Wi-Fi vouchers and zero rating access to two of the most popular online education sites.

BT’s Consumer contact centres now handle 100% of customer calls in the UK, at centres from Dundee to Greenock. Since customer service for BT, EE and Plusnet customers was brought back to the UK and Ireland last year, more than 34 million calls have been handled.

Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said: “With the Covid-19 pandemic continuing to have an unparalleled impact on our economy, and society, it’s great to see companies like BT continue to invest so significantly in Scotland and its communities.

“The value and impact of that investment is felt in high quality local jobs, economic growth and cross supply chains the length and breadth of the country.   

“As we look to build a high tech, high skilled and more sustainable economy for the future, companies like BT will be at the heart of delivering the technology and connectivity needed to transform that vision into reality. The last twelve months, perhaps more than any other time, have shown us the value of true connectivity, not just for business and the economy, but for maintaining social connections and aiding mental health.”

Tim Fanning, Director at Hatch, said: “Our analysis underlines how vast BT Group’s contribution is to the UK economy as a whole as well as to individual communities in the nations and regions. Its presence across the country generates significant further activity and investment, supporting many thousands of jobs.”

Summary of results for year 2019/20 – Scotland:

• 7,240 employees directly working for BT Group, and 205 contractors (Full Time Equivalent – FTE) in Scotland

• 12,400 total FTE jobs supported (including indirect and induced effects) in Scotland

• £254 million total income of BT Group employees (including contractors)  

• £167 million spend with suppliers based in Scotland

• £1.2 billion total GVA impact associated with BT Group activities (including indirect and induced effects) in Scotland

• BT Group employed 1 in every 10 in the IT and Communications sector and directly employed 1 in every 220 employees in the private sector across Scotland

• BT Group directly created £1 in every £170 of GVA in Scotland

• As a result of the full economic impact of BT Group, the firm supported £1 in every £115 of GVA in the Scottish economy and 1 in every 130 employees working in the Scottish economy 

Three quarters of Scots say finding a job mentally challenging

  • Impact of restrictions and lockdowns has fuelled decreased motivation, confidence and morale among jobseekers
  • Average jobseeker in Scotland rejected from 15 different roles during pandemic
  • The nationwide survey was commissioned to launch BT Stand Out Skills, providing jobseekers of all ages with free tools and resources to help them build confidence and stand out in their job search: BT.com/StandOutSkills

With all parts of the UK starting 2021 in lockdown, a new study has revealed that an overwhelming majority of jobseekers have been negatively affected by their search for work over the past year, with more than three quarters (76%) surveyed in Scotland attributing a downturn in their mental wellbeing to their job search.

The research, commissioned by BT to launch Stand Out Skills, also showed that the average jobseeker in Scotland has unsuccessfully applied for 15 different roles over the past 12 months.

When asked how rejections and the job search had affected them specifically, 42 per cent of jobseekers in Scotland responded that they had experienced decreased motivation, while 41% highlighted lower self-esteem and morale and a further 43% a reduction in self-confidence. 

BT’s research also highlighted how this lack of confidence persists throughout the various stages of the job search. Just 25 per cent of those surveyed in Scotland are confident that their CV and covering letter will stand out when compared to fellow candidates, while even fewer (24%) believe in their ability to impress and leave a lasting impression in an interview.

This has led to jobseekers hiding details of their job search from their closest friends and family, with 39 per cent keeping job applications secret in case they are rejected and a further 46% being concerned about what family or friends will think of the rejection.

Added to the difficulties jobseekers already face, the research also went on to show that nearly half (41%) of those surveyed in Scotland admitted to struggling to find resources which could help them in their job search, including how to improve their CV and job interview technique.

As part of BT Skills for Tomorrow, which aims to help 10 million people in the UK make the most of life in the digital world, BT has launched Stand Out Skills. This initiative provides jobseekers of all ages with free and unmissable tips, resources and advice to support them in building their confidence and help them stand out in the job search.

BT has teamed up with experts and celebrities including Scottish comedian Iain Stirling, TV presenter Anita Rani and Drag Queen Divina De Campo to release free resources and advice across different stages of the job search – from where to start and showing your best self to standing out when applying and in interviews.

Hannah Cornick, Head of Digital Impact and Sustainability at BT, said: “The global pandemic has had far-reaching consequences for the job market, and it’s only natural that jobseekers’ confidence will have been affected.

“BT remains more committed than ever to its Skills for Tomorrow programme, and to ensuring that people have the skills they need to flourish in an increasingly digital world. This is why we have launched Stand Out Skills, to help those looking for work build their confidence by providing them with the necessary tools and resources they need to get ahead of the competition and stand out in their job search.”

BT Skills for Tomorrow is designed to help everyone – from school children and teachers, parents and families, businesses and jobseekers, to those lacking basic digital skills. Working in partnership with a range of the UK’s leading digital skills, enterprise and community organisations, BT has created and collated some of the best advice, information and support, in one easy to navigate place.

Comedian and Love Island narrator, Iain Stirling (pictured top) said: “As a stand-up comedian, I know it’s important to grab people’s attention right from the start, and the samegoes for your job application.

“Having an employer sit up and take note of your CV, cover letter and LinkedIn profile is the first step towards getting ahead of your competition. Words have the power to leave a lasting impact on an audience, so it’s important that you choose the right ones.

“That’s why I’m delighted to be involved in the BT Stand Out Skills campaign, to help people nail those job applications and present themselves in the best way on LinkedIn so that they can land their dream job.”

More on BT Skills for Tomorrow and Stand Out Skills can be found here: 

BT.com/StandOutSkills

BT: Scots pledge to support small businesses this Christmas

Shoppers keen to back their local high streets as they face the most turbulent winter in decades

  • 64 per cent of Scots agree[1] they are making more effort to support small businesses due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic
  • 70 per cent of Scots fear their local shops won’t survive the pandemic
  • 71 per cent of Scots are increasingly worried about the impact on their community if they lose local shops
  • 50 per cent of Scots agree the pandemic has made them reluctant to visit shops, stressing the need for small businesses to have an online presence

More than three in five people surveyed in Scotland are keen to support small businesses this Christmas – as they worry their local shops could go bust, according to new research conducted by BT in the run up to the festive period.

The poll of over 2,000 UK consumers found that 64 per cent of Scots agree they are making a conscious effort to help small businesses more because of the severe impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on trading over the past year.

The plight of local shops appears to be weighing heavily on the public conscience, as nearly two thirds of those polled in Scotland fear their local high street won’t survive the pandemic.

The poll found that 71 per cent of Scots are increasingly worried about the impact on their community if they lose local shops, with 64 per cent agreeing that their community depends on local businesses. Coupled with the recent collapse of major retail chains, it’s clear the public are concerned about the future of their local high-street.

The affection the public holds for small businesses is strongly reflected in the survey results, with 62 per cent of respondents in Scotland saying that small businesses play a key role in supporting local people; 51 per cent recognising the importance of small businesses in sustaining the economy; and 52 per cent pledging that small businesses provide vital employment.

Fears of contracting Covid-19 appear to remain post the most recent lockdowns across the UK, with 50 per cent of people in Scotland stating the pandemic has made them reluctant to visit shops. This reinforces the need for small businesses to have a strong online presence to help them survive the disruption of the pandemic.

Alan Lees, Director of BT’s Enterprise business in Scotland, said: “Small businesses have undoubtedly been amongst the hardest hit by the pandemic, with national and local lockdowns severely impacting their ability to trade.

“It’s really heartening to see that communities across the Scotland are coming out in force to support their local high street this Christmas, as these firms rely heavily on the festive period to generate the lion’s share of their profits.

“The fact that consumers want to engage with small businesses, particularly online, but sometimes face barriers in doing so, means that it is absolutely vital for them to adapt by moving online or risk being left behind. That’s why we launched our Small Business Support Scheme – to boost the connectivity, cashflow and confidence of small businesses through faster broadband, digital payments and digital skills, amongst other forms of assistance.”

In addition, the survey has also revealed that small businesses are facing increasing competition from bigger online retailers who are able to offer lower prices and faster delivery. 

According to the survey, top reasons holding people back from supporting small businesses include; the price compared with other retailers – with 41 per cent of Scots citing it as a barrier; a limited product selection, with nearly a third of Scots saying it was a concern; while no website presence was cited as a key concern by 17 per cent of respondents in Scotland.

Other concerns include slow delivery, a lack of social media presence and data security issues.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1337006754421501952

BT’s Small Business Support Scheme  consists of a series of measures to help boost the connectivity, cashflow and confidence of small businesses and help them get poised for growth.

Helping small businesses to boost their digital skills is a central part of the scheme, with BT pledging to help one million small businesses to boost their digital skills over the next five years through BT’s Skills for Tomorrow programme.

Alongside this, a dedicated mentoring programme for small businesses via Digital Boost will launch early next year, giving small businesses free access to BT’s expertise in strategy, marketing, and sales. Next year will also see the launch of a new digital marketing hub from BT to help small businesses to better promote their business online.

Other forms of support on offer via the scheme and which are available now include:  a bursary scheme for start-ups; a new digital payments solution; and a wellbeing toolkit for small businesses.

BT bursaries to support small businesses

  • 1,000 UK start-ups to be awarded six months’ free fibre broadband, digital phone line and mobile bundles
  • Launched as part of BT’s recently announced Small Business Support Scheme
  • Bursary includes Halo for business – the UK’s best converged connectivity plan which gives micro-businesses three powerful connections in one

Scottish start-ups and entrepreneurs can now apply for one of 1,000 bursaries being offered by BT as part of its Small Business Support Scheme.

With the UK home to the biggest and most vibrant start-up community in Europe, BT is pledging its support for start-ups by giving it a financial head start through free superfast fibre broadband, digital phone line and mobile bundles, including its Halo for business product. The bundles will be provided completely free of charge for the first six months on a 24-month contract.

BT recently launched its Small Business Support Scheme to help boost the sustainability and growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs around the UK as they continue to manage the economic impact of Covid-19 and as they prepare for a post-Brexit climate.

The new support package – which was welcomed by business groups and senior politicians around the country – consists of ten initiatives aimed at boosting the connectivity, cash flow and confidence of small businesses around the UK. Improving access to high-speed connections through bursaries and the launch of BT’s Halo for business product forms a central part of the scheme.

Pete Oliver, MD, SME, for BT’s Enterprise business, said: “BT has a proud history of backing the UK start-up sector, for example by helping to incubate companies at its tech cluster in Adastral Park, Ipswich.

“Start-ups will be critical in kickstarting the economy as the country gradually recovers from the impact of the pandemic. We want to do our bit by easing the financial burden on these fledgling companies by giving 1,000 of them free high-speed connectivity for the first six months.

“It’s just one example of how our Small Business Support scheme is helping start-ups, sole traders, micro businesses and more established firms to bounce back – from faster connections and digital payments to support around mentoring, digital skills and marketing tools.”

Businessman drawing diagram on glass wall in tech start-up office

Under the new bursary scheme, BT is offering UK start-ups a number of bundles to choose from, starting from £34.95 (excluding VAT) per month after the first 6 months. These include:

  • BT Halo for business broadband and digital phone line bundle

First 6 months free, then £34.95 per month excluding VAT for next 18 months

  • BT Halo for business broadband, digital phone line and 4G SIM-only bundle

First 6 months free, then £39.95 per month excluding VAT for next 18 months

Eligible companies can apply for a bursary from today by visiting: www.bt.com/tech-bursary.

To qualify, customers will need to have set up their company after 1 October, 2019 and they’ll need to be taking a BT business broadband service for the first time. BT’s customer service team will contact applicants the next working day to talk them through the best bundled broadband, digital phone line and mobile option to suit their needs.

While the bursary will be made available to 1,000 eligible companies initially, BT will be closely monitoring interest in the scheme and will consider extending it to more UK start-up companies, subject to demand.

BT recently announced the launch of its BT Halo for business offering – the UK’s best converged fibre broadband, mobile and digital phone line bundle for micro-businesses, which represent 91 percent of all businesses in the UK. 

Featuring three powerful connections in one, BT Halo for business includes superfast fibre broadband that automatically switches to 4G if there’s a problem to ensure that small businesses always stay connected; a digital phone line that lets businesses use their office number remotely, so they never miss a call; and an unlimited mobile plan with no data caps or speed restrictions. Business customers also have the option to upgrade to 5G for a truly converged experience.

One of the key benefits of BT Halo for business is the new digital phone line, which gives businesses access to a range of services which aren’t available through traditional fixed phone lines. It allows businesses to stay connected from any place, at any time, by simply downloading an app on their mobile device to make and receive calls from their business landline number when they’re on the move. The number will not change, so business customers can retain their identity and local presence even if the business premises moves.

BT Halo for business also features free Guest Wi-Fi, to allow firms to turn their workplace into a Wi-Fi hotspot for their customers without their broadband speeds or security being affected. It’s password-free so customers can easily browse online while they shop and clients can work whilst they visit the business premises.

All of these features are backed up by 24/7 UK-based customer service support to ensure that business customers can get assistance when they need it most.

BT 999 Key Workers in Scotland handle more than 28,000 calls every day

999 agents across the UK handled a call every three seconds during Covid-19 peak

BT’s technology helps to pinpoint 999 caller’s GPS position

BT’s 999 key workers in Scotland handled more than 10.5 million calls in the last year.

The company today revealed the latest 999 call handling volumes for its two centres in Scotland – with agents handling over 28,000 calls every day – as BT joins the emergency services to mark this year’s 999 Day [9 September], an annual celebration of the work of emergency services across the UK.

BT’s 999 agents are the calm and confident voice answering every 999 call. Six BT call centres handle all the UK’s 999 calls in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England, passing calls to the relevant emergency service.

The number of 999 calls handled by BT has increased significantly in recent years, jumping from around 25 million calls a year in 2000, to over 33 million calls in the last year – nearly a third of which were answered in Scotland. When the UK entered into lockdown in March, BT 999 call advisors were given key worker status and put the needs of the public first to fulfil their critical role in answering 999 calls.

Nationally, during the Covid-19 peak, BT’s 999 call handlers were responding to unprecedented levels of demand, answering a daily average of 105k 999 calls[2]. The busiest periods saw 999 agents handling a call every three seconds. To meet this demand, BT trained an additional 100 staff to support with answering calls, including a number of volunteers who put themselves forward to help out.

Lacey Talbot, a BT employee who volunteered to work in the 999 team during the Covid-19 peak, said: “It was an honour to be trusted to do such an important role and I will never forget my experience.

“It made me feel proud to support the 999 service, especially during a nationwide pandemic. The people who perform this role each day under immense pressures are unsung heroes.”

BT’s Advanced Mobile Location (AML) technology provides a critical role to the emergency services, providing the exact location of a 999 caller by sending an automatic text to the 999 call handler.

The majority of mobile phones (70%) – including Android and Apple smartphones – can now detect that an emergency call is being made, with the caller’s precise GPS position being sent to the 999 service during the call and pinpointing their position to within just three metres in some cases.

This plays a really important role in helping the emergency services reach incidents more quickly and save lives. For example, Police Scotland says it helps them locate people in difficulty who may be lost.

Amanda McDonald, National Head of Service Centres, Police Scotland, said: “When it comes to emergency calls it’s all about location, location, location. Advanced Mobile Location is a valuable tool for Contact, Command and Control (C3) Division to help locate people who are in need of our assistance but don’t know where they are.

“From road traffic collisions, people lost along the coastline or in the hills to ongoing dynamic incidents which require an immediate police response – AML helps us get there.”

Brian Henderson, Contact Centre Manager of BT’s two 999 centres in Scotland, said: “Many people are unaware of the crucial role our people play in supporting our emergency services.

“Our teams answer every initial 999 call and my colleagues in Scotland handled nearly 29,000 calls every single day last year.

“We’re proud to support our emergency services partners and join together today with the nation in celebrating the amazing work they do.”

Alan Lees, BT Enterprise Unit Director for Scotland, added: “During the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic our 999 call agents faced a significant increase in calls, and have gone above and beyond to provide a critical role to the UK public.

“Our AML Technology also enables our call handlers to pinpoint a 999 caller to as close as three metres in some cases. This could mean, for example, being able to tell which side of the motorway the call has come from, helping an ambulance or fire engine get to a scene ten minutes earlier, which is potentially life-saving.

!Our 999 agents and the emergency services do phenomenal work and we’re delighted to be celebrating them on Emergency Services Day.”

BT plays a critical role supporting the emergency services – from its 999 call centres, building the Emergency Services Network (ESN), to BT’s emergency service volunteers working across the country from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands and globally.

[1] Average daily call volumes YTD (from 1st April 2020 – Sunday 16th August 2020) 

[2] Average daily call volumes during height of lockdown (17th March 2020 – 20th March 2020)

Fears for over-70s struggling with digital isolation during lockdown

New research from BT suggests that many older people (70+) are suffering from a difficult combination of both physical and digital isolation during the Coronavirus lockdown.

A poll of people from across the UK, who have a close relative over 70, found that less than a quarter believe their loved one would be willing to try a video call with a GP, with the majority prepared to wait longer to get a face-to-face appointment.

While some older people (27%) have ventured to the shops during lockdown, a third of those surveyed believe their relatives had put themselves at risk in order to purchase essential items on behalf of their loved one and nearly half those surveyed (49%) think it would be life-changing for their older relative if they knew how to order their own groceries online.

However, 41 per cent think their older family member has never made an online purchase, and half believe their relative is reluctant to try and learn new skills when it comes to technology.

The survey revealed various barriers to learning: more than three-quarters (76%) think their relative would consider it too complicated. A quarter think their loved ones feel the internet is unsafe (26%), 29 per cent say that their relatives haven’t got anyone to teach them and 35 per cent aren’t sure where to learn these digital skills.

Nearly four in ten (38%) did say their family members would be more open to improving their digital skills due to recent events, but don’t know where to start.

 

Professor Kerensa Jennings, BT Group Director of Digital Impact, said: “Technology has become an essential lifeline for millions of people right now. But to combat loneliness, we must ensure that older people can take advantage of the benefits that technology provides, from accessing vital services to staying in touch with family and friends.

“We know that even picking up some relatively simple digital skills can make a huge difference to the lives of older people and those that care for them during lockdown – whether it’s doing their own online shopping, accessing health services or enjoying face-to-face calls with loved ones.

“While many older people are very confident with tech, it’s never too late to try something new. For others, it’s the first time they are accessing the internet. That’s why we are working closely with leading social change charity, Good Things Foundation, to ensure people can get the skills they need to stay connected and healthy during lockdown.”

The survey also revealed that six in 10 people believe their loved ones feel more isolated than ever before as a result of the global pandemic, and 53 per cent think they have struggled to adjust to an altered lifestyle due to coronavirus.

Email and WhatsApp are the digital platforms family members feel elderly relations are the most adept at using, with 39 per cent able to successfully set up a video call with their elderly loved ones. One in five over 70s are also able to stream through Amazon Prime or Netflix.

However, over three quarters (78%) said their family member consumes their information from television, with a third relying on their family member to update them on current affairs and just one in five going online.

 

Helen Milner, Chief Executive of Good Things Foundation, said: “The research supports what we’re hearing from our network partners and our wider findings on the issue of digital isolation. The people left behind are disproportionately older, often with existing health issues that are being compounded by a lack of confidence in digital technology. This is a deeply shocking societal problem we must all address urgently. 

“We know that due to the Coronavirus pandemic more people are willing to try new things online and improve their digital skills so this is the perfect time to give them the tools and guidance to do so.”

BT Skills for Tomorrow is giving 10 million people the skills they need to make the most of life in the digital world we live in.  It’s completely free and designed to help everyone – from school children and teachers, parents and families to businesses and jobseekers – and anyone who needs support getting online to make the most of life.

Working in partnership with leading digital skills organisations, BT have created and collated the best courses, webinars and information, in one easy to navigate place.

However, there remains a significant number of vulnerable people who do not currently have an internet connection or suitable device, making isolation particularly difficult. In order to address this issue, BT has donated 1,000 tablets with pre-paid SIMs to the Good Things Foundation as part of the DevicesDotNow campaign.

The Good Things Foundation is the UK’s leading digital exclusion charity and the key distribution partner for DevicesDotNow through their Online Centres Network. They are also one of BT’s existing partners through Skills for Tomorrow.

BT and Computing at School launch home schooling resources

As part of its Skills for Tomorrow programme, BT has teamed up with Computing at School (CAS), to launch dozens of activities, designed to support parents with their children’s digital skills at home.

The series of activities is based on the Barefoot Computing programme, a programme funded and managed by BT in partnership with CAS, to help primary school teachers deliver free, curriculum-aligned lessons in fun and relatable ways. CAS are part of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

This Friday (24th April), comedian David Walliams will be showing the UK how to use some of these Barefoot resources in an ad break takeover on STV as part of BT’s Beyond Limits: Top Tips on Tech campaign.

This three-week campaign featuring a host of famous faces including TV presenter Rylan Clark-Neal and broadcaster and author Fearne Cotton, has been created to help the nation with the digital skills it needs to get through this unique and challenging time.

David’s lesson sees him inspiring the nation from his own home with ideas for how to maximise home schooling using a variety of digital tools, including Barefoot Zoo; one of the interactive and educational Barefoot games helping children learn about computing.

So far, more than 8,800 primary school teachers in Scotland have already accessed Barefoot, across more than 1,600 Scottish primaries. However, with most children now having to be schooled at home, the scheme has been swiftly adapted to provide new lessons, activities and games.

Content has been developed to be easy for parents to use, with no prior subject knowledge required. Many of the activities can also be done offline without the need for a computer – ideal for managing screen time and digital wellbeing.

A recent BT study revealed that millions of parents across the UK can only spend up to two hours a day teaching their children during lockdown.

Just 24% of parents say they feel comfortable teaching IT and computer science, with nearly all (92%) saying they’re uncomfortable with key topics such as coding. It’s likely that many parents will shy away from computing in favour of more familiar subjects.

The new Barefoot content includes dozens of varied activities and games to support parents and carers by inspiring children to think, learn and thrive in a digital world.

From making pizza with an algorithm ‘recipe’, to using the power of abstraction to save a struggling zoo, parents and carers will find tailored educational activities to keep young minds busy and curious for hours and hours:

  • Learning Together Activities – Downloads that parents and kids can do together based on our expert Barefoot Computing resources for teachers
  • Mini Missions – Thirty quick, fun and easy ideas to introduce children to key computing concepts at home
  • Interactive Learning Games – Imaginative online games that help children explore computing concepts independently
  • Weekly ‘Computing at Home’ YouTube Live classes by schoolteacher and Barefoot Ambassador Dr Jon Chippindall
  • Computational Thinking quick guide for parents, with a simple introduction to key skills taught through the national curriculum

Marc Allera, CEO of BT’s Consumer Division, said: “As a parent myself, I know how challenging it can sometimes be to balance working from home with entertaining and educating the kids.

“That’s why BT – with our key education partners – is supporting families to keep kids learning in these difficult times. This exciting new computing content, as part of our Barefoot programme with Computing at School, can really help parents, grandparents, and all carers to inspire their children to discover and explore the world of computing.”   

Julia Adamson, Director at BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, said: “We are passionate about ensuring that every child has a world-class computing education. However, BT’s research has shown that computing is the subject that parents feel least comfortable with.

“Given the current challenges, it’s even more important that families are given as much support as possible in this area. The new Barefoot toolkit will help parents keep their children stimulated, engaged and progressing, even if they’re unfamiliar with computing themselves.”

Skills for Tomorrow is a major new programme designed to empower 10 million people by giving them the skills they need to flourish for the digital future. Everyone is included, everyone is welcome, and no one is left behind – from school children to the older generation; from young adults looking for employment, to SMEs looking for growth.

BT continues to collaborate with leading digital skills organisations, such as CAS, to collate the best courses and information, in one easy to navigate place.

All it takes to get started is to visit www.bt.com/skillsfortomorrow.

EE gives unlimited data to NHS Heroes

EE is offering unlimited mobile data for NHS staff until 9th October 2020. 

Marc Allera, CEO of BT’s Consumer Division, said: “We hope this gives NHS staff one less thing to worry about.

“They can keep in touch with friends and family and use the internet without worrying about using up their data. Along with the discount we already provide, this is a thank you from all of us at EE to those in the NHS that are working so hard for us all.” 

All that NHS workers have to do is register online at www.ee.co.uk/nhs with a valid NHS email address to receive the new offer – this includes those staff already receiving discounts on their monthly mobile plans from EE. They’ll then receive a text message confirming that the unlimited data is on their account, until 9th October 2020. 

This offer is being supported with a TV campaign featuring Kevin Bacon detailing the offer and thanking NHS workers on behalf of EE for all they are doing to support the country. The campaign will run on TV, video on demand (VOD) and social media from today. 

EE and BT are doing all we can to increase our support for the NHS and are supporting with technology for hospitals, doctors and nurses, as well as connecting many of the temporary field hospitals around the country, including London’s NHS Nightingale Hospital. 

BT has also made it possible for BT Sport customers to ask BT to give their monthly subscription credit to the NHS Charities Together for Covid-19 Urgent Appeal.

So far, an amazing £292,000 has been donated, and we thank those customers for their generosity.

Home Schooling: Parents worry that children will fall behind

  • Two thirds of parents say their child’s education is more important than their job during lockdown
  • Average parent can only commit 3 hours a day to home schooling
  • A third of parents worried their children will fall behind in modern subjects they don’t feel comfortable teaching

A new study has revealed that 1 in 5 UK parents will only be able to spend up to two hours each day on home schooling their children during the current school closures, leaving them worried that youngsters will miss out on learning certain subjects.

In research commissioned by BT to launch its Code a Cake online experience, it was found that on average parents of children aged 5-11 would be able to dedicate three hours a day to home schooling, despite 66% saying that their children’s education takes priority over their job.

As parents across the country find themselves thrust into juggling full time work with full time teaching for the foreseeable future, more than a third (32%) are worried that their children will fall behind in certain subjects as no one in their household is confident enough to teach them.

Of the subjects to be cut from the domestic curricula, subjects such as computer sciences – including coding – are most likely to be scrapped first as parents weren’t taught them at school: just 24% of those questioned feel comfortable teaching IT and computer science, while coding is the subject parents feel least comfortable with (only 8% do). In comparison, the subjects parents feel most comfortable teaching at home are maths (62%), English (58%) and P.E. (43%).

BT Code a Cake is a new online experience which introduces children aged 6-11 to the art of coding through a simple baking analogy, allowing parents to teach their children coding in a simple and fun way.

Kerensa Jennings, Digital Impact Director, BT, said: “With the UK facing such extraordinary hardship, BT wants Code a Cake to play a small, yet important role in inspiring and supporting parents and children at this challenging time.

“Families need more help than ever as they try to keep their kids educated and entertained at home. Our Skills for Tomorrow initiative is here to help people make the most of technology, and we want to do our bit to help children have fun and keep on learning.”

Presenter and father, Joe Swash, who has been using BT’s Code a Cake to teach his kids coding, added: “Code a Cake has been amazing for helping me keep the boys occupied at home, it’s an even bigger bonus that they’re learning a new skill, particularly something so important such as coding.

“I am quite out of my depth when it comes to teaching digital skills, so anything that can help is invaluable. It is simple, fun, and I’m sure will come in handy for lots of parents over the coming weeks.”

More on BT’s Skills for Tomorrow initiative can be found here: bt.com/skillsfortomorrow

Code a Cake is available here: bt.com/codeacake