Amazon puts 1,200 jobs in UK at risk as it announces plans to shut three huge warehouses - exact locations revealed
A total of 1,200 jobs will be at risk as Amazon announce the closure of three sites
Niall Carson
Tech giant Amazon has confirmed three sites are set to close this year, impacting 1,200 jobs.
Sites in Hemel Hempstead, Doncaster and Gourock, in the west of Scotland, have been proposed for closure.
The company says all the workers will be offered roles elsewhere at other Amazon locations.
Three UK sites are set to close as Amazon attempt to find alternative work for employees
Niall Carson
However, a union representing some workers at the Hemel Hempstead site expressed disappointment over the decision and was “sceptical” about the prospect of alternative work being found for everyone affected.
A spokesperson for Amazon said: “We’re always evaluating our network to make sure it fits our business needs and to improve the experience for our employees and customers.
“As part of that effort, we may close older sites, enhance existing facilities, or open new sites, and we’ve launched a consultation on the proposed closure of three fulfilment centres in 2023.”
Amazon previously announced plans for two new fulfilment centres at Peddimore in the West Midlands and Stockton-on-Tees in the North East which will create 2,500 jobs over the next three years.
The Hemel Hempstead site employs 500 staff while there are 400 in Doncaster and Gourock is home to the fewest number of employees, at 300.
Although Gourock has the least number of employees, it also has less scope for alternative work in the surrounding area within Amazon.
Amazon confirmed last week that 18,000 members of staff worldwide would lose their job
Matt Alexander
Steve Garelick, GMB union officer for Hemel Hempstead, said: "Disappointed for the workers and disappointed for the town and a deep concern this is the thin end of the wedge for the local area.
"Some workers may be offered alternative roles but decamping to Luton, Dunstable or Milton Keynes isn't as practical as you might think."
The news comes after a group decision last week to sack more than 18,000 staff worldwide in the largest layoffs programme in its history as the company plans to cut costs across its business.