Betting giant Ladbrokes has confirmed the loss of 263 jobs with the closure of its Aintree call centre in Liverpool.

The company blamed the move on foreign-based competitors being able to undercut its operation due to favourable tax demands.

The company said: “UK-based telephone betting operators like Ladbrokes are being severely impacted by competition from offshore operators that enjoy significant tax advantages.

“Ladbrokes’ telephone betting service pays 15% tax on its gross profits and a further 10% on profits from UK horseracing, as well as VAT and corporation tax. Offshore operators typically pay no or very low taxes and no horseracing levy.”

Ladbrokes spokesman Ciaran O’Brien added: “We have today begun a three-month consultation with our employees on the proposed closure.

“The proposals include plans to redeploy or relocate employees to minimise redundancies.

“Telephone betting is a very competitive market and one that is becoming increasingly difficult for UK-based operators who face significantly higher levels of tax than those operating from offshore jurisdictions.”

Ladbrokes core telephone business was loss-making at the half-year stage this year, recording a 41% decline in revenues.

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