Entain to cut 400 jobs globally, warns of more losses over tax hike

Entain, the owner of the Ladbrokes and Coral betting chains, has announced a consultation to cut approximately 400 customer care jobs globally, representing a fifth of its 2,000-strong workforce in that division. The company cited the impact of increased UK gambling taxes and warned of further sector-wide job losses and shop closures if the government proceeds with a planned tax hike. The consultation, which will affect roles across 11 countries including the UK, is set to conclude by November. Entain did not specify how many of the cuts would impact its UK workforce, but stated that high street and part-time positions are most at risk. The company employs over 12,000 people across its 2,300 UK betting shops. In a letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Entain's chief executive, Stella David, warned that a proposed doubling of Machine Games Duty from 20% to 40% would add approximately £100 million to the annual cost of running its UK retail business. She cited an independent report commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council, which estimated such a move could lead to up to 1,470 betting shop closures and 15,900 job losses across the industry.