Genting casino closures put jobs at risk

A casino company has announced jobs could be lost as it plans to close three sites in Great Yarmouth, Manchester and Leicester.

Genting Casinos UK said the closures would affect 36 staff in Great Yarmouth, 33 in Manchester and three in Leicester.

A spokesperson said most staff, except those in Great Yarmouth, would be offered local redeployment.

A GMB union spokesman said the organisation was in talks with Genting.

'Aggressive competition'

Paul Wilcock, provincial managing director for Genting Casinos UK, said: "It is with regret that we are proposing to close three of our premises.

"The decision is based purely on the economic performance of the individual clubs involved and we hope to be able to transfer staff to other Genting clubs wherever possible."

All of the employees at the Leicester Electric Circus will be offered positions at another Genting site, Leicester Mint, Mr Wilcock added.

For employees at Manchester Mint, there will be redeployment opportunities for some staff at Manchester Circus casino. Those at Great Yarmouth may be offered relocation opportunities.

Adrian Baker, GMB national casinos organiser, said: "These clubs are the latest in a long line of established casinos that have seen their doors close as a result of aggressive competition from across the gaming industry and there is little doubt that they will not be the last."

A 30-day consultation is under way.