"A kick in the teeth": GMB union slams closure of three Amazon UK fulfilment centres

Amazon is set to shut three UK warehouses, affecting 1,200 jobs.

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

All affected workers will be offered roles at other existing Amazon locations.

The e-commerce giant is also planning new sites - at Peddimore in the West Midlands and Stockton-on-Tees in the North East - resulting in the creation of 2,500 jobs over the next three years.

Steve Garelick of the GMB union, says: “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 adds: “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 ot engage with the workforce through their union GMB.”

An Amazon spokesperson told RTIH: "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."