We were forced out of jobs, Bristol casino staff claim

STAFF at a city casino feel they have been forced out of their jobs.

The Gala Casino in Redcliffe Way closed its doors for the last time yesterday after 30 years in operation.

The company said that "where possible" it was offering the 30 staff jobs elsewhere, including positions at its Harbourside site in Canons Marsh.

But some workers say the only new jobs they were offered would have seen them demoted and forced to take a £5,000 pay cut.

One worker said more than 20 of his colleagues had effectively been forced to quit after rejecting the lower wages on offer at the company's Harbourside branch, a multi-million pound venue which opened last June.

The top-level gaming staff were told, it was claimed, that if they accepted the deal to move they would be demoted two levels below their current status within the company and have to take a pay cut.

One worker, who asked not to be named, said: "Everybody was offered a package to go there from valet staff, to cash desk staff and gaming staff – only five took the job.

"Even though they said tips were involved in the package, those perks could be taken away at any time. I really want to highlight the injustice that we all feel: the letdown, the anger and the bitterness from having worked here for so long. Some of us have worked here for decades. They've essentially forced us out. Nobody is going to take a pay cut after working so hard."

Another staff member said: "I feel so bitter about it. We're all upset and demoralised. They've utterly betrayed us.

"There is great sadness and resentment among the staff, who all feel let down. We have all worked hard for the last few years whenever we have been told to, and everyone is disappointed and upset by it.

"Many of the staff have been there for years, and are experienced, provide excellent customer service and are dedicated and professional."

But some ex-employees said despite the fact they would have to find another job, they harboured no ill feelings towards the company. One said: "I can understand how some of them feel betrayed and angry, but I still love Gala. I've been in this industry for years, and these things do happen. It just means it's time to move on."

The Redcliffe casino had been run by Stakis and Ladbrookes before Gala Casinos took it over about six years ago. Staff were informed in July this year that they were going into a "proactive consultation" as to how to keep the casino open.

Gala Casino spokeswoman Sarah Mercer said: "We can confirm that we have closed our casino in Redcliffe Way. The casino has suffered since the smoking ban, the removal of Section 21 (large gaming) machines and the increased taxation placed on the industry.

"Where possible we will be redeploying our 30 staff elsewhere within the group or to our Bristol Harbourside casino."