Boyle Sports offers job interviews to ex-Paddy Power staff

Boyle Sports has stepped in to the aid of any who may be losing their jobs in the Paddy Power retail closures.

The Flutter-owned Paddy Power has taken the decision to close 57 retail stores in Ireland, though all of the individuals made redundant now find themselves automatically eligible for an interview with Boyle.

247 staff members are said to be affected, but amid Paddy Power's closures, Boyle Sports is ploughing on with plans to invest £100m ($132m) into new UK retail outlets, reportedly creating more than 1,000 jobs over the next three years.

Across its current 390 stores across the UK and Ireland, the operator has indicated the presence of a number of openings in shop management, customer service and operations.

Jenna Boyle, Retail Director at Boyle, commented: "Sports was built on the high street and we're proud to still be growing when others are scaling back as we know just how important the in-person experience still is to our customers."

Those laid off at Paddy will be offered a guaranteed interview for any available role - the company suggests these openings are spread across multiple locations.

Paddy Power is not alone in having to scale back, or threaten to scale back, retail operations.

Betfred owner Fred Done has claimed that if proposed tax hikes become a reality in next week's Autumn Budget, the company may be forced to close all of its high street stores.

Global Gaming Insider will be speaking to Boyle Sports CEO, Vlad Kaltenieks in January's CEO Special magazine, where he discusses the company's ongoing commitment to the high street and land-based gambling alongside its digital offerings.

Jenna Boyle added: "Our commitment to the UK and Ireland is long-term, and we'll continue building a business that supports local people, local communities and the industry as a whole."