Talks begin over the transfer of Tote staff to Britbet

Consultation meetings have begun this week over the transfer of racecourse staff from the Tote to the new racecourse-owned pool betting operation Britbet.

The Betfred-owned Tote is set to be replaced across the 55 racecourses which are part of the Britbet project from July 13 when the Tote's exclusive pool betting licence runs out.

Betfred contacted Britbet last autumn as they felt that TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings - Protection of Employment) applied to the Tote staff.

The regulations preserve employees' terms and conditions when a business is transferred to a new employer.

It was not until this spring that Britbet indicated that they accepted this was the case and the staff were informed of developments in April.

Britbet said in a statement: "We are working closely and collaboratively with the Betfred management team as the process gets under way and have been pleased with how these initial discussions have gone and the feedback we have received.

"Over the coming days and weeks we will be consulting with over 50 elected Totepool representatives regarding the opportunities to join the Britbet team and be part of an exciting new chapter across our 55 partner racecourses.

"We are hopeful that all Totepool staff will welcome the opportunity to work with Britbet and our 55 partner racecourses."

Fred Done: Betfred owner acquired the Tote in 2011Credit: Whitaker Edward

The number of people affected by the TUPE transfer is 950 to 1,000.

Betfred managing director Mark Stebbings said: "Fred Done was quite clear at the start that what he wanted was the future of the hardworking staff on the courses to be settled, regardless of how the relationship ended between Betfred and the racecourses, and that their futures were secure.

"We'd like to hope that if we can complete this process that Fred can do what he said at the start."

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