More than 50 MPs have signed a letter to BT asking them to adopt remote working and social distancing for staff.

The letter, drafted by Geraint Davies, MP, to Marc Allera, CEO for BT Consumer brands, addresses the complaints by BT workers who say the company is failing to adapt to government guidance.

Mr Davies, said: “I, like MPs across the UK, have had many emails from staff at BT telling me they are worried for their well-being, because BT has failed to adapt to the emergency measures to help stop this virus spreading.

“BT and other technology companies are helping companies across the UK adapt and need to do the same for their own workforce in order to protect their staff, communities and the NHS at large.

“There’s been a lot of focus on sitting on park benches when the elephant in the room is the thousands of non-essential workers unnecessarily at risk in open plan offices.

“While I’m pleased that Wales is the first nation in the UK to bring the 2m-distancing rule into law, where possible we suggest that BT bosses take the advice of their mascot, ET, and allow their staff to ‘go home’.”

The letter, which was signed by 52 MPs, calls for Marc Allera, CEO for BT to provide staff with laptops and internet phone lines to allow them to work from home.

BT’s Consumer brands include BT, EE and Plusnet call centres that are based throughout the UK.