The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Arts / Entertainment Arts, Entertainment And Culture Gambling And Betting Activities 92.00 - Gambling and betting activities
4,500 jobs Number of planned job losses
Announcement Date
4 July 2019
Employment effect (start)
Foreseen end date
Description
Bookmaker William Hill has announced that it plans to close 700 high street shops which will result in the loss of 4,500 jobs. The business operates around 2,300 shops across the UK, and employs approximately 12,500 staff. The closures follow changes to legislation on fixed odd betting terminals. Under the new legislation the maximum stake for the machines has been reduced from GBP 100 (€111.35) to GBP 2 (€2.22) after concerns were raised that gamblers were able to lose significant sums in a short period of time. Since the changes which took effect from April 2019, bookmakers such as William Hill have reported lower gaming revenues.
The shops that will close will be confirmed through the statutory consultation process, though according to at least one report, employees are already being told. William Hill has stated that it will seek to implement as many changes through voluntary redundancy as possible, and that it will consider redeployment options where appropriate. However, the company has said that it expects a significant number of redundancies. The closures are expected to begin before the end of 2019.
Eurofound (2019), William Hill, Internal restructuring in United Kingdom, factsheet number 98183, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/98183.
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