Online retailer Amazon to hire 15,000 staff to meet customer demand in run-up to Christmas
Internet giant says it expected hundreds of the temporary staff would later be able to take up permanent jobs
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Online retailer Amazon has announced it is hiring more than 15,000 seasonal staff across the UK to meet customer demand in the run-up to Christmas.
The US internet giant, which is expanding operations in this country, said it expected hundreds of the temporary staff would later be able to take up permanent jobs.
Amazon said it was creating a variety of roles across its eight "fulfilment centres" and its Edinburgh customer service centre.
The eight distribution sites are in Doncaster; Dunfermline; Gourock, Inverclyde; Hemel Hempstead; Milton Keynes; Peterborough; Rugeley, Staffordshire; and Swansea Bay.
Catherine McDermott, director of operations at Amazon.co.uk. said: "On our busiest shopping day last Christmas, customers ordered a total of 3.5 million items during one 24-hour period at a rate of 44 items a second.
"During the Christmas season, seasonal associates play a critical role in making sure we meet increased demand from customers.
"As we continue to expand our UK operations, we expect many hundreds of these temporary associates to move into permanent positions as has been the case in previous years."
Amazon said that last year it hired 10,000 seasonal staff in the run-up to the festive season and by the end of January had offered roles to 1,000 temporary workers.
Recruitment for the latest roles will be ongoing in the run-up to the Christmas period and prospective employees can apply online.
Amazon, which recently opened a 210,000 sq ft office in central London as it eyes UK expansion, has more than 6,000 permanent employees in this country.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments