Amazon confirmed that around 590 people would be affected, but said they will be offered roles elsewhere.
Amazon is facing backlash after announcing plans to close one of its UK warehouses, with hundreds of workers told they may need to move to keep their jobs. The distribution centre in Milton Keynes, which opened in 1998 as the company’s first UK site, is now under consultation for closure.
The depot is a huge part of the local logistics network, covering around 550,000 square feet next to the M1. Nearly 600 employees currently work at the site. The proposal affects around 590 people and staff will be asked to relocate to other Amazon centres.
Amazon confirmed that around 590 people would be affected (Image: Getty)
Amazon confirmed that around 590 people would be affected, but said they will be offered roles elsewhere.
Staff who want to remain with the company are expected to receive transfer options to other fulfilment centres, including a large new warehouse up the M1 in Northampton.
The Northampton site, based at SEGRO Logistics Park near Junction 15 of the M1, is one of Amazon’s biggest new UK investments.
The £500million depot will open in May and is expected to employ 1,400 people at launch, with capacity for up to 2,000 roles as it scales up.
Amazon said the company’s top priority is supporting ‘our people during this process’ (Image: Getty)
A separate sortation centre in Magna Park, also in Milton Keynes, is not part of the closure plan and continues to operate normally.
Local leaders have commented on the announcement, including Independent council leader Adam Zerny.
According to the BBC, at a recent council meeting, he said Amazon had previously indicated employees would be able to move across to the new Northampton base.
He told colleagues that this reassurance had been an “important commitment” and added that Amazon remains a major employer in the wider region.
Some have labelled the decision as ‘catastrophic’ (Image: Getty)
However, some have labelled the decision as “catastrophic”, The Sun reports.
Responding to the outrage, an Amazon spokesperson told The Sun: “We’re always evaluating our network to make sure it fits our business needs and to improve the experience for our employees and customers.”
On the company’s offer to relocate workers from Milton Keynes to Northampton, the spokesperson added: “Our top priority is to support our people during this process.”
The Express has contacted Amazon, Bedfordshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council for comment.
