Online retail giant Amazon has delivered a major jobs boost by handing permanent contracts to 180 seasonal workers at its Fife fulfilment centre.
Amazon operations director Catherine McDermott said the new roles at the firm’s massive Dunfermline facility are part of a wider increase in staffing across the UK.
“We originally expected to create 800 permanent roles before Christmas 2013 but in fact have actually been able to create almost 1,000 new roles across the UK in the last three months,” she said.
“This means that in 2013 alone we have created more than 2,400 permanent positions in our UK fulfilment centres.”
Packing team worker Jet Brady joined Amazon last summer and is one of the workers who has now had their contract made permanent.
“There are plenty of opportunities for training in different departments and I like the variety that the work offers,” the 29-year-old said.
The increase in jobs at the Fife site was welcomed by local political leaders.
“Having been in discussions with Amazon on this for some time now I’m delighted that the number of posts is so large,” Dunfermline and West Fife MP Thomas Docherty said.
“Dunfermline is an ideal location for Amazon because not only do we have great transport links but we also have one of the highest levels of online shopping in the UK.
“I’m looking forward to working with the company this year as they continue to grow their activities in Fife,” he added.
Councillor Lesley Laird, Fife Council’s executive spokeswoman for business, enterprise, economy and planning, said she was pleased to see further expansion at what has become Dunfermline’s largest employer.
“It’s great to hear news of additional permanent jobs for Dunfermline and a very welcome start to the new year for the Amazon employees and their families,” she said.
“Amazon is recognised as one of Fife’s major employers and we are delighted that 180 people at their Dunfermline facility have secured permanent employment, and that the company continues to show positive signs of growth and development in Fife.
“The council is committed to working in partnership with businesses, and investment like this is very encouraging and underlines our ongoing approach and commitment of making Fife the best place to do business.”
Amazon has invested more than £1 billion in its UK operations, which now consist of eight fulfilment centres, comprising a total of more than five million square feet of warehousing space.