Jobs boost for Ipswich as Amazon double staff levels
Amazon is doubling the number of staff at their Ipswich depot - and employing 250 Christmas temps Picture: PA - Credit: PA
More jobs are coming to Ipswich as staffing numbers at the Amazon delivery centre are set to double from 50 to 100 by the end of 2020.
At the beginning of the year the centre at the Eastern Gateway Enterprise Park in Sproughton employed 50 people but this will rocket to over 100 by the end of 2020.
The online retail giant is also hiring 250 seasonal staff throughout the festive rush.
The pay for all the roles will be a minimum of £9.50 per hour.
Ipswich Council developed the Eastern Gateway park where the Amazon warehouse is based.
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David Ellesmere, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “This news is very good for the town. We have always said that online shopping and Amazon is a part of life nowadays and Ipswich needs to get some benefit from that.
“This is creating jobs for Ipswich people and it is a development I am happy to welcome. I hope it brings many more jobs in the future.”
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Andy Walker, head of policy at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s good news for the local economy that Amazon will be increasing their headcount here in Ipswich, especially when many employees in the town will be facing redundancy due to the impact of Coronavirus.
“Covid-19 has undoubtedly increased the volume of online sales but we must also ensure our high streets and traditional bricks and mortar retail are supported in the coming months, or through business rates reform to at least allow for a more balanced retail economy.”
It comes as Amazon announced that it is creating 10,000 new permanent roles across the UK in 2020, taking the company’s total UK workforce to more than 40,000.
The company is also creating a total of 20,000 seasonal positions.
Reacting to the national news, business secretary Alok Sharma said: “While this has been a challenging time for many businesses, it is hugely encouraging to see Amazon creating 10,000 jobs in the UK this year.
“This is not only great news for those looking for a new job, but also a clear vote of confidence in the UK economy as we build back better from the pandemic. The government remains deeply committed to supporting retailers of all sizes and we continue to work closely with the industry as we embark on the road to economic recovery.”
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