Amazon plans to shut three UK warehouses

Amazon has said it plans to shut three UK warehouses in a move which will impact 1,200 jobs.

A spokesman for the online retail giant has said the firm has launched consultations over their closure.

Sites in Hemel Hempstead, Doncaster and Gourock, in the west of Scotland, have been proposed for closure.

It is understood that all workers at the sites will be offered roles at other Amazon locations.

Amazon has also revealed plans for two new major fulfilment centres in Peddimore, West Midlands, and Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, which will create 2,500 jobs over the next three years.

A spokesman for the company 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.

"We also plan to open two new fulfilment centres creating 2,500 new jobs over the next three years.

"All employees affected by site closure consultations will be offered the opportunity to transfer to other facilities and we remain committed to our customers, employees and communities across the UK."

'Kick in the teeth for staff'

GMB union organiser, Steve Garelick, said: "This is a real kick in the teeth for Amazon staff who worked themselves into the ground during the festive rush.

"Hard-up Amazon workers can't suddenly be expected to up sticks and move to a different fulfilment centre which may be many miles away. Local workers who may not be in a position to take roles so far away from where they live."

He claimed Amazon has "failed to bring a stable employment model due to their long-standing health and safety issues and poor workplace practices".

"To move forward with stability, Amazon needs to engage with the workforce through their union GMB," he added.

{{news}}