A local MP has given his backing to the betting and gaming industry’s plans to create thousands of jobs to help with the Covid recovery.
The Betting and Gaming Council, the standards body which represents the regulated industry, unveiled its ‘Plan For Jobs’ as MPs returned to Westminster following the summer recess.
It includes a pledge to create 5,000 apprenticeships across the industry by 2025, as well as supporting the Government’s Kick Start scheme to provide job opportunities for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit and rolling out graduate recruitment schemes for young people leaving university.
This is in addition to the 119,000 jobs already supported by BGC members, who also generate £4.5bn in tax for the Treasury and contribute £7.7bn to the economy in gross value added.
Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Aaron Bell visited Gamesys who have been based in the town for over 10 years to see for themselves the economic contribution the company already makes.
Gamesys employs 850 people at its offices in Newcastle-under-Lyme and London, producing bingo and casino games.
Aaron Bell said: “I’m delighted to be at Gamesys to see the work they do – and to support the BGC’s Plan For Jobs.
“I know the Government is determined to repair the economic damage done by the pandemic, and initiatives like this one will play a vital part in that.”
Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, said: “Whether it’s high quality tech jobs here at Gamesys, high street jobs in betting shops or leisure and hospitality jobs in casinos, the betting and gaming industry stands ready to play its part in helping the UK to build back better from the pandemic.”
