Amazon to create 900 new jobs in Edinburgh

Leading online retailer Amazon is to create 900 jobs in Edinburgh, First Minister Alex Salmond announced today.

The company will create a new Customer Service Centre at Waverley Gate, Edinburgh, creating 500 permanent and 400 temporary jobs. The new centre will handle both internet and telephone customer queries for Amazon.co.uk including technical support for Amazon Kindle and MP3 services.

Established in 1998, Amazon offers a wide variety of products over the internet, including books, movies, music, PC and video games, software and electronics. The new facility in Edinburgh represents a significant expansion of Amazon’s current Scottish operations and is being supported by a £1.8 million grant from Scottish Enterprise to help train new staff and support the fit-out of the new premises.

Amazon’s decision to invest in Scotland was influenced by the availability of a high quality workforce in Edinburgh and the financial and account management support available from Scottish Enterprise.

The company already has a substantial presence in Scotland with operations in Gourock, Glenrothes and South Queensferry. In January, Amazon announced that it would create 950 jobs in Scotland – 750 jobs in Dunfermline and 200 jobs in Gourock.

The new customer service centre in Edinburgh will open in August, a few months before Amazon’s new 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,”

Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise 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.”