Reports suggest that staff at UK video game retailer GAME are being moved to zero-hours contracts and are anticipating layoffs.
Owned by Fraser Group, the high street chain will now predominantly employ non-managerial staff on zero-hours contracts, with newer junior staff members being referred to as “cast members.”
Multiple anonymous staff members confirmed the changes, stating that the shift to zero-hours contracts was not unexpected.
Employees have been informed to expect layoffs, with notifications to be sent via email or telephone.
GAME has not issued a statement yet, leaving the number of expected job cuts unclear.
In February, GAME ceased trade-ins in stores to clear out pre-owned stock, with standalone stores continuing sales until inventory is depleted, while concession stores were closed entirely.
Concession stores were instructed to transfer pre-owned software store-to-store, while hardware will be returned to the distribution center for redistribution.
The transition to zero-hours contracts comes after the retailer shifted from standalone stores to smaller concession stores in Sports Direct and House of Fraser.
This news is part of a larger trend of job cuts in the gaming industry, with over 16,000 reported in the past 18 months, impacting major studios like Naughty Dog, PlayStation, and Supermassive Games, as well as companies like Humble Games and Amazon Games.
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