Paddy Power to create more jobs

Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has offered a crumb of comfort for Ireland's ailing economy with the creation of 500 new jobs there.This will increase Paddy Power's employment base in the country to 2,210 jobs, while an expansion in the UK retail network will result in the creation of 810 new jobs. It is also creating 130 new posts in Australia.Chief executive Patrick Kennedy said that the benefits of Paddy Power's overseas expansion would also be felt in Ireland as the company pays corporation tax in Ireland on all its internet and telephone betting profits.Paddy Power said trading since 1 July has been strong, with international and UK retail activities continuing to grow and Irish retail, online and telephone operations performing well, though Irish economic conditions have become more challenging.'The strong growth in group profitability in the first six months has continued into the second half,' said chief executive Patrick Kennedy.