Amazon to create 10,000 new permanent jobs in UK this year

The new hires will take its permanent workforce in the country to more than 40,000

A general view of the Amazon's fulfilment centre in Peterborough, central England. AFP

Amazon is creating 10,000 new permanent jobs and 20,000 seasonal positions in the UK this year, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

The e-commerce giant has already hired 3,000 new staff at its fulfilment centres, sorting centres and delivery stations in the UK and will add 7,000 more by the end of the year across more than 50 sites, it said. This will take the company’s permanent workforce in the country to more than 40,000.

“Our people have played a critical role in serving customers in these unprecedented times and the new roles will help us continue to meet customer demand and support small and medium-sized businesses selling on Amazon,” said Stefano Perego, vice president of the company’s European customer fulfilment operations.

Amazon is also opening two new fulfilment centres in the North East and Midlands regions before the end of this year, the company said.

It has invested over £18 billion ($23.9bn / Dh87.7bn) in its UK operations since 2010 and said it has helped to digitally empower more than 373,000 small businesses and content creators.

“While this has been a challenging time for many businesses, it is hugely encouraging to see Amazon creating 10,000 jobs in the UK this year,” Alok Sharma, the UK’s secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy, said.

“This is not only great news for those looking for a new job, but also a clear vote of confidence in the UK economy … the government remains deeply committed to supporting retailers of all sizes and we continue to work closely with the industry,” he added.

Amazon will also create more than 20,000 seasonal positions across the UK ahead of the festive period at its different sites.

“We prepare year-round for the festive season …  we look forward to welcoming back seasonal workers who return year-after-year to work at Amazon and welcome new faces to the seasonal team,” Mr Perego said.

The company is offering a minimum wage of £10.50 per hour in the London area and £9.50 per hour in other parts of the UK for all full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal roles.

It is hiring in various departments including engineering, finance, human resource, technology and health and safety.