Fewer hours, more pay for bookies' staff

Workers at the bookmakers Stanleys are voting this month on a pay and conditions offer that will mean a phased reduction to a four-day week and a 3.5% increase in pay.

The T&G general union, representing over 900 Stanleys employees, regards the deal as a breakthrough - particularly as the industry is preparing to embrace longer opening hours as a result of the Gaming Act.

Staff at Stanleys - the fourth-largest operator of betting shops in the UK - currently work up to 70 hours a week on basic pay of under £6 an hour. The new deal is initially for a nine-day fortnight, moving to a four-day week.