Amazon has announced plans to shut three UK fulfilment centres following an operational review, affecting 1,200 jobs.
It’s looking to close warehouses in Doncaster, Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire and Gourock in western Scotland and will offer workers at other Amazon locations.
The e-commerce giant also announced plans to open two new major fulfilment centres in the UK. The new sites would be located in Peddimore and Stockton-on-Tees, and could create 2,500 jobs over the next three years, according to the firm.
A spokesperson 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.”
The GMB Union responded to the closure of the warehouses, saying it was a kick in the teeth for staff “who worked themselves into the ground during the festive rush”.
Steve Garelick, GMB organiser, said: “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.
“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.”
