Following on from January's news that GAME was starting to strip back its pre-owned department, we have some other unfortunate reports coming in about the staffing situation within the UK's biggest gaming retailer.
Earlier reports this week claimed that redundancies were incoming, and now a fresh IGN report — containing leaked internal emails — has added fuel to that fire. According to this new report, staff "below the manager level" will be laid off, and in-turn offered zero hour contracts to continue working for the company.
For those unaware, zero hour contracts are basically terms of employment where a company doesn't have to guarantee a set amount of work. If enrolled onto one, employees aren't guaranteed the work they need to make a proper living.
Here are a few internal email examples, as attained by IGN:
"As part of these proposed changes your role has been identified as being potentially at risk of redundancy,
We are keen to discuss any concerns you may have and work with you to explore any alternative ideas or suggestions you may have and potential ways to avoid redundancy."
"I just want to be clear that you will be made redundant from the [assistant manager] role. However, there will be the opportunity to take your redundancy, if you are entitled to redundancy, and come back as cast,"
The report says that it has requested comment from GAME owner 'Frasers Group' in response to its investigation, but IGN hasn't added any such response at the time of writing.
What do you make of this? Is GAME on its last legs here in the UK? Drop your thoughts on this report down below.
[source ign.com]
Comments 20
I stopped shopping in GAME a long time ago. The managers made the staff too pushy and the number of times I heard staff lie to customers is ridiculous.
I used to love GAME at it's peak. I would walk into town on my dinner break to have a quick browse, see what games where going cheap.
I still go in Game for a browse probably once a month when I’m out shopping.
They charge top price for everything and you can get stuff cheaper elsewhere and online.
This is gross.
Saying that, I'm amazed GAME has hung on as long as it has. For years now, walking into a GAME store - although, let's face it, it's probably not a store but instead a concession inside Sports Direct - is more like walking into a cross between a poor man's Toys R Us and the image some executive has in his head of what "gamers" like; it's mostly vaguely games-adjacent tat and energy drinks.
I don't know anything about retail worker laws in the UK, but between this sort of practice and the effect "AI" is having on employment it seems as though everyone should unionize.
Sad news. There was a push to ban these kind of contracts years back, but sadly they're still about. I hope these people can find new jobs elsewhere.
Faired far better when it was Electronics Boutique. But times were different then.
How long until this hits GameStop in the US?
Forcing staff onto zero hour contracts is such a despicable way to operate. I hope Game's staff can find jobs with firms that treat their employees like human beings.
Oh wow, something that MIke Ashley owns is operating in a scummy manner? I'm shocked! I know most of the Scottish contributors on here are in favour of Celtic, but even they must know how horrific Mike Ashley is.
Mike Ashley is a billionaire and you don't become one of those without being, shall we say, ruthless.......
Having your job suddenly become a zero hours affair is a kick in the teeth. You can't live like that for long if you have rent/mortgage/dependents etc.
Though, let's be honest, we all know that Game is going sooner rather than later. Used to love my local (that's still there) but it hasn't been the same for a while and I don't use it anymore.
This shambling corpse of a terrible business should have died years and years ago, finally it looks like the end is nigh. Sad for people who lose their job, won't miss the shop at all.
Who actually uses Game?!? Ah, that's why it's on it's deathbed. Haha
So when they say managers they only mean store managers, the Assistant manger role is not safe...
Game in the UK is now pointless, Smyths offers a similar range of products often at cheaper prices in stores/online, and the likes of Argos and Amazon offer cheaper online prices and quick online delivery - sometimes as quick as same day. CeX have the preowned market now covered.
Being across the pond and unfamiliar with the chain, I always used to think it was weird cut off sentences when people would talk about "Game" when I was new here. Isn't naming your game store "Game" like naming your restaurant "Food"?
"Oh yeah I'm going to get a ride on Train to go by the new Console from Game then stop and get Food on the way back. I need new shoes too, but I won't go to Shoes because that store is pants."
Remember exactly last time I went in Game. Was at the launch of PS4 pro. Good prices back then. Felt awesome walking home with my brand new shiny console box under my arm.
Last thing I bought from Game were 2 Star Wars figures. Not joking
@NEStalgia From what I’ve heard, it’s like GameStop here in the States, but (obviously) over in Europe.
@AccessibleDaydream It sounds it ... The same excellent quality and all 😂
@NEStalgia I wouldn’t be surprised if the stock was shorted, too! 😂
GAME was turning around a few years ago, aiming to be the “Waterstones” of gaming (comfy, high quality shopping space that can host events etc). Mike Ashley is a plague on good shops; and has been slowing ruining it. Will be gone soon, just a shelf in his hideous Sports Directs, staffed by glum unpaid people and trying to get their customers into huge debt on his credit card schemes to buy bottom of the barrel Chinese crap.
Tragic what damage one greedy dense man has done to the UK high streets. GAME were never the best, but a bastion of physical sales is essential for them to continue.
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