Paddy Power to close 57 shops in UK and Ireland, 247 jobs at risk

Paddy Power will close 57 betting shops across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland within the next month, parent company Flutter announced on Wednesday, putting about 247 employees at risk of redundancy. The closures follow a review of the bookmaker’s high street estate and will see 28 shops in the Republic of Ireland and 29 in the UK, including one in Northern Ireland, cease trading.

Flutter said the decision reflects increasing cost pressures and challenging market conditions. A Flutter UK and Ireland spokesperson said the company remains "continually reviewing our high street estate, but it remains a key part of our offer to customers, and we are seeking to innovate and invest where we can as we adapt to different customer trends and needs." The firm added that impacted colleagues will be offered redeployment opportunities where possible and that it is consulting with staff and providing support to those affected.

Company statements put the number of employees at risk at 247, including 128 in the UK. Earlier reporting of the closures described the total as nearly 250. Estimates of job losses vary, but Flutter has said it will seek to find alternative roles for some...