Bookie to close call centre.

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.