Jobs at risk at betting firm William Hill

The company announced today (Thursday) that it would close 700 betting offices nationwide, putting 4,500 jobs at risk.

William Hill has branches on Upper Millgate, Frederick Street and Howard Street in Rotherham; Ox Close Avenue, Kimberworth; Tinsley Shopping Centre; Kilnhurst Road, Rawmarsh; High Street, Wath; Doncaster Road, Goldthorpe; High Street, Wombwell and Central Terrace, Edlington.

A spokesman for the betting firm told the Advertiser it would not reveal which stores would be at risk of closure until September.

He also refused to reveal how many staff worked at branches in the Rotherham area.

The company said it had launched the consultation due to the government's decision to reduce the maximum stake on some betting terminals to £2.

"Since then, the company has seen a significant fall in gaming machine revenues, in line with the guidance given when the government’s decision was announced in May 2018," said the statement.

"A large number of redundancies is anticipated with 4,500 colleagues at risk.

"The group will look to apply voluntary redundancy and redeployment measures extensively and will be providing support to all colleagues throughout the process.

"Subject to the outcome of the consultation process, shop closures are likely to begin before the end of the year."