Amazon creates another 900 jobs

Online retailer Amazon is to create 900 jobs in the second major expansion of its Scottish operation this year.

The firm will bring 500 permanent and 400 temporary positions to a new customer service centre in Edinburgh.

The announcement in the capital today comes just months after Amazon unveiled plans for 950 full-time jobs in Scotland.

The new customer service centre in Edinburgh will open in August, a few months before Amazon's one million square foot fulfilment centre in Dunfermline.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Amazon is globally recognised as a leader in online retail and I am delighted that the company is expanding its Scottish operations with the creation of a new customer services centre in Edinburgh.

"Amazon has a substantial presence in Scotland and this announcement is testament to the quality, strength and skills of its Scottish workforce. This news provides a significant boost to the local economy, creates 900 jobs in the heart of Edinburgh, and demonstrates the company's commitment to working in Scotland.

"The Scottish Government, Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise is working hard to attract new jobs and investment to communities across the country.

"This announcement reinforces and supports our message that Scotland is an attractive and competitive destination for major global companies to invest and do business."

Vice president of European operations and customer service at Amazon Allan Lyall said: "As our business continues to grow and we move into new areas like grocery, sports and clothing, our customer services support needs to expand as well.

"Edinburgh is an outstanding location, providing us with access to a highly-skilled workforce who will help us to achieve the high standards of customer service that shoppers at Amazon.co.uk expect.

"Scotland has been home to a number of Amazon fulfilment centres for many years and we are delighted to be expanding our operations within the country with a new customer service centre and fulfilment facility."

Scottish Enterprise chief executive Lena Wilson said: "When a world-leading company like Amazon chooses to invest in Scotland, it sends a message to the rest of the world that Scotland is a world-class business destination.

"Scottish Enterprise has worked closely with the company, both through our team here in Scotland and internationally through Scottish Development International to identify how we can support its business most effectively.

"We're pleased to be able to support the company with training assistance, which will help the company to develop the skills of its 900 new Scottish employees and guarantee that today's announcement has a long-lasting impact on the economy and the competitiveness of our workforce."

In January, Mr Lyall unveiled plans for 750 jobs at a one-million sq ft centre in Dunfermline, Fife.

An extra 200 jobs were announced for its site in Gourock, Inverclyde, which packs and ships items for customers.

The new Edinburgh centre is expected to open in August, a few months before the Dunfermline base.

Amazon was established in 1998 and offers a wide variety of products over the internet, including books, music, PC and video games.