COMMUNICATIONS giant BT has boosted West Yorkshire's economy by nearly £500 million over the past year, according to a new independent report today (WED).

Regeneris Consulting said BT generated £471 million for the local economy over 12 months through supporting more than 6,400 jobs in West Yorkshire out of nearly 15,400 across the region , as well as its spending with 853 contractors and suppliers and boosting spending power of employees.

The report says BT provides more than 2,300 direct jobs in West Yorkshire out of 6,500 across the region with a total employment income of £217 million;

It also provides work for a further 8,820 people through spending with businesses that supply its equipment and services, and the spending of their employees;

The report said BT's regional employment impact in 2014-15 was larger than the civil engineering sector and around £306 million was spent with local suppliers.

BT's overall beneficial financial impact in Yorkshire amounted to £1.13 billion – equivalent to £1 in every £90 of the region's total Gross Value Added - a measure of the value of goods and services produced in an area of an economy.

Tim Fanning, associate director at Regeneris Consulting, said: “Our analysis confirms the sheer scale and reach of BT’s ongoing economic contribution to Yorkshire and and the UK as a whole.

“ At the UK level, £1 in every £80 of wealth created is attributable to BT – this is one of the single largest contributions to the UK economy by any firm.”

Tom Keeney, BT’s regional director , said: “There are few organisations in Yorkshire that have a larger impact on the day-to-day life and future prospects of the region than BT.

“We are one of the region’s largest private sector employers and investors – our investment in fibre broadband in the region alone amounts to hundreds of millions of pounds - and the services that we provide are a vital part of every community.

“The facts and figures shown in this report highlight the full extent of BT’s contribution to the local economy as we go about the daily business of keeping people connected and introducing new technologies, which are creating fresh opportunities and transforming lives.

“Aside from the company’s activities, the report also draws attention to the positive ways BT people are contributing to the communities where they live and work, whether they are a volunteer for a worthy cause or a local shopper.”

The report highlights BT's investment of more than £3 billion in the roll-out of fibre broadband, which has made fibre broadband available to nearly 1.8 homes and businesses in the region.