Amazon to close three warehouses across UK

Roughly 500 workers currently working at Amazon’s Hemel Hempstead will be offered roles at the nearby Dunstable warehouse and other locations.

In Doncaster, 400 employees will be affected but will have the opportunity to relocate to two nearby fulfilment centres at Doncaster’s iPort.

The proposals also affect roughly 300 workers at the Gourock site in Scotland although it is more difficult for these jobs to be replaced given there are “limited opportunities” in Scotland, according to Amazon bosses.

Ronnie Cowan, Member of Parliament for Inverclyde in Scotland, said: “This news from Amazon is a serious blow to Gourock, Inverclyde and Scotland.

“Amongst the number crunching we must remember that 300 families are affected by this decision. They will be under an enormous strain, and we must do whatever we can to help them find gainful employment and help them through a very difficult time.

“I am seeking urgent talks with Amazon over its decision to close its operations with the loss of more than 300 jobs.

“Over many years Amazon has benefitted from a loyal, committed and productive workforce in Gourock and whatever the reasons for this decision, it cannot be any reflection on the workforce.

“It goes without saying that in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis this will come as a hammer blow to the staff and their families.

“Amazon has said it will try to re-deploy workers but has so far given me no firm commitments.

“I now want to see both the UK and Scottish governments intervene to see what measures can be taken in light of this decision.”