AROUND 4,500 jobs are under threat at William Hill bookmakers, which has branches in Redditch, Alcester and Studley.
The company has confirmed it has launched a consultation with workers at its shops amidst plans to close 700 betting shops across the UK.
The firm put the move down to the Government’s decision to reduce the maximum wager on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals to £2 which came into force on April 1.
A William Hill spokesperson said: “Since then the company has seen a significant fall in gaming machine revenues, in line with the guidance given when the Government’s decision was announced in May 2018.”
The shop closures are expected to begin before the end of the year.