Amazon to create 2,000 UK jobs in ‘clear vote of confidence’ post-Brexit
E-commerce giant Amazon will create 2,000 new jobs in the UK this year, as it seeks to up its total workforce to almost 30,000 roles.
Amazon said the new positions would include engineers, software developers, data scientists and experts in cloud and machine learning, along with a number of entry-level roles.
Of those created, more than 170 roles will be based in Amazon’s tech development centres in Cambridge, Edinburgh and London. The research and development hubs are home to some of Amazon’s most innovative programmes, such as drone delivery initiative Amazon Prime Air.
Read more: Amazon to deliver packages by drone ‘within months’
“We are delighted to be able continue to invest and grow our UK business,” said Doug Gurr, Amazon’s UK country manager. “The UK is a fantastic hub for global talent and the exciting, innovative work that takes place here benefits Amazon’s customers around the world.”
The London development centre will take on software engineers and computer programmers to continue work on services, such as Amazon Video, its Netflix streaming rival. They will also work on designs for so-called living room devices, and web and mobile applications.
Amazon’s cloud computing arm Amazon Web Services is also included in the jobs boost. The move follows the firm’s plans to create 1,000 new apprenticeships in the UK over the next two years.
Read more: Amazon pledges to create 1,000 UK apprenticeships by 2021
Chancellor Philip Hammond said the decision was “a clear vote of confidence in the British economy”.
“… These roles will benefit people across the UK, including the cities of Cambridge, Edinburgh, Manchester and London.
“Thanks to our record investment in infrastructure, skills and research and development, we will continue to lead the technological revolution.”