SkyCity to cut 200 roles in proposed restructure

Some 200 roles at SkyCity's New Zealand operations will likely be hit in a proposed restructure that has been blamed on challenging economic conditions facing the casino operator, according to reports.

CEO Jason Walbridge confirmed the proposal to the New Zealand Herald, but maintained that no final decisions have been made.

"No decisions have been made. We'll consult with our people before anything is finalised, and our focus remains on supporting them through any change and on building a stronger SkyCity," Walbridge said as quoted by the Herald.

The Herald report also understands that the cuts will mainly affect staff based at SkyCity's Auckland operations. A separate story from Radio New Zealand said consultation already began on Tuesday and would continue over the next two weeks.

Walbridge attributed the restructure to the challenging economic conditions facing the business.

"The economic conditions facing our business are real, and they require us to make some hard choices about how we're set up for the future," the CEO said as quoted by the Herald.

"We're reshaping how our people are deployed across the group, so we're simpler, smarter, and more connected."

The company had around 2,860 staff in Auckland. It also reported falling revenue at its half-year results released in February amid regulatory costs and operational changes, RNZ reported.

SkyCity urged to retain staff

Unite Union, which represents employees at SkyCity, urged the casino operator to retain employees.

"Profitable companies like SkyCity should keep people employed in these challenging economic times, they can afford to and should," Tali Williams, Unite Union assistant secretary, told RNZ.

Williams stressed that the workers who will be affected are not "just numbers."

"Workers are already dealing with the high cost of living and a very difficult employment market, and the last thing they need is the uncertainty of losing their livelihood," the assistant secretary added.