July 4, 2019 10.48 am This story is over 55 months old

Lincoln jobs at risk as betting firm announces 700 shop closures

Two Lincoln shops could close by the end of the year

Lincoln jobs are at risk after a major betting firm announced plans to close 700 shops.

The city has two William Hill shops, which could both potentially close by the end of this year.

A large number of redundancies is expected across the country with 4,500 jobs at risk of getting cut.

The company has 2,282 shops in total.

William Hill has blamed the move on the government after it reduced the maximum stake on fixed odds betting terminals to £2.

“Since then the company has seen a significant fall in gaming machine revenues,” a company spokesperson said. “In line with the guidance given when the Government’s decision was announced in May 2018.

“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.”