Amazon Gourock distribution warehouse closure confirmed with 300 local jobs axed

An Amazon distribution warehouse in Inverclyde is to close, with an expected loss of around 300 jobs in the area.

Employees at the company’s Gourock warehouse were told by management in January of a consultation on the proposed closure.

This has now been confirmed, alongside the closures of centres in Hemel Hampstead and Doncaster.

Under the plans, some 1,200 jobs across the UK will be affected, including around 300 in Gourock, where the Amazon facility has been open for almost two decades.

“We’re always evaluating our network to make sure it fits our business needs and to improve the experience for our employees and customers,” a statement by the firm read.

“As part of that effort, we may close older sites, enhance existing facilities, or open new sites.

“While we have announced plans to open two new state-of-the-art fulfilment centres in the UK creating 2,500 new jobs over the next three years, we can also confirm that, following a consultation, we are closing three sites this year.”

Amazon stated that all workers at the affected locations will be offered roles elsewhere in the company.

“We appreciate this will be a difficult time for our people in Gourock,” it said.

“We remain committed to supporting all employees through this process by offering alternative roles at other Amazon sites.”

The giant added that it will also provide a range of retraining and re-skilling opportunities for those who decide to pursue their career outside of the company.

When the plans initially surfaced last month, Amazon clarified these cuts were separate from its plan to axe around 18,000 jobs worldwide, as part of a drive to lower costs.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also commented at the time that the Scottish Government would help the 300 workers facing the loss of their jobs.

She said: “I would hope Amazon would be responsible and recognise the commitment the company has had from that community.

“I would always encourage companies to treat their workforce fairly and to recognise the commitment they get that help them make profits from workers.

“We will always work with companies to try to avoid or minimise the need for redundancy but, in any situation where redundancies are necessary or unavoidable, we will step in to help people find alternative employment where we can.”

More to follow.