Amazon set to create 10,000 new UK jobs

Amazon will increase its UK workforce by 10,000 this year as it opens four new warehouses across England.

The addition of these new permanent jobs will bring the technology company’s UK workforce to more than 55,000 by the end of the year. 

It is also creating a number of new corporate roles spread across its offices in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cambridge, as well as in its Amazon Web Services divison.

Amazon will also look to open a new parcel receiving centre and expand its delivery station network.

The retailer also unveiled plans to launch a multimillion-pound training scheme for new and existing staff, which follows the announcement of its intention to create 1,000 full-time UK apprenticeships in February.

Amazon also plans to invest £10m in new skills training for up to 5,000 employees over three years. This move will support the government’s investment programme, which aims to meet the employment needs of the UK economy going forward.

The training will be provided through Amazon’s own Career Choice programme. The tech giant will pay course fees for Amazon employees who are seeking a career change outside the company.

Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “Amazon’s announcement today is fantastic news and a huge vote of confidence in the British economy, helping us deliver on our commitment to level up across the UK with a whopping 10,000 new permanent jobs.

“As we build back better from the pandemic, this is a prime investment in our retail sector.”

Amazon UK country manager John Boumphrey added: “We’re creating thousands of good jobs across the UK from a diverse range of roles with excellent pay and benefits.

“We’re also delighted to be working with the British Chambers of Commerce on a pioneering approach to our Career Choice programme to provide the training and skilled workers needed to boost local economies right across the country.”

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