BOYLE Sports Steps in With Job Interview Pledge for Paddy Power Staff

BOYLE Sports is prepared to absorb the impact felt by Paddy Power by offering job interviews to all affected retail staff. It was reported that up to 57 Paddy Power betting shops could shut across the UK and Ireland, a move that could result in as many as 247 employees being laid off.

However, BOYLE Sports is prepared to step in and come to the rescue of Paddy Power’s retail employees. Any staff member that is made redundant by Paddy Power will now automatically qualify for a job interview across any of BoyleSport’s land-based locations.

Currently, BOYLE Sports operates 390 stores across the UK and Ireland. It is believed there are a number of vacancies available in various roles, such as shop management, customer service, and operations.

Fuelling job growth

Last summer, BOYLE Sports announced it would invest £100 million into new UK retail outlets, and it is thought the company is looking to generate more than 1,000 jobs over the next three years. BOYLE Sports remains dedicated to the high street, and as a family-owned business, it has forged strong ties with local communities.

Jenna Boyle, Retail Director at BOYLE Sports, revealed she was proud that the company could help at a time when its competitors are cutting back on retail operations. She said: “That’s why we are offering any Paddy Power retail staff impacted by recent cuts the chance to join our team with a guaranteed interview.

“Our commitment to the UK and Ireland is long-term, and we’ll continue building a business that supports local people, local communities, and the industry as a whole.”

Competition scaling back

The news of BoyleSport’s act of generosity comes at a time when the retail betting industry is coming under severe pressure. Figures reported by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) showed that over 3,000 betting shops have closed in the past 10 years.

More pertinently, fears have arisen over the prospective hike in gambling taxes. There is the prospect of Remote Gambling Duty (RGD) being bumped up from 21% to 50% in next week’s budget, which, in turn, could have a devastating impact on the high street. Entain, which owns Ladbrokes and Coral, has hinted that it is mulling over the prospect of shop closures, as are Evoke, William Hill’s owners.

Betfred also appears to be in the same boat, admitting it could take the drastic step of closing all 1,287 UK shops, which could put as many as 7,500 jobs at risk. Last month, Betfred owner Fred Done drew attention to the challenge facing the betting giant.

He said: “If the tax rate went up to anywhere like 40%, or even 35%, there is no profit in the business. We would have to close the business down. I think this is the biggest threat I have known since I’ve been in the industry. On a 1-10 scale it’s a ten, all the alarm bells are ringing here.”

Braced for the budget

Talk over the gambling contents of the budget has reached fever pitch over the past few months, putting betting companies on tenterhooks. Although some are weighing up scaling back on operations, BOYLE Sports has offered an invaluable lifeline to Paddy Power.

BOYLE Sports remains unwavering in its approach to retail betting which should give Paddy Power staff some reassurances. For now, they are bracing themselves for what the Chancellor of the Exchequer delivers in her speech.