Amazon is to close its distribution centre in Gourock with the loss of 300 jobs, it has been reported.
It is understood workers were told about the plans last night and a consultation will be launched, according to the Greenock Telegraph.
An Amazon spokesperson said: “We’re always evaluating our network to make sure it fits our business needs and to improve the experience for our employees and customers.
"As part of that effort, we may close older sites, enhance existing facilities, or open new sites, and we’ve launched a consultation on the proposed closure of three fulfilment centres in 2023.
"We also plan to open two new fulfilment centres creating 2,500 new jobs over the next three years.
"All employees affected by site closure consultations will be offered the opportunity to transfer to other company facilities, and we remain committed to our customers, employees, and communities across the UK.”
“We appreciate this will be a difficult time for our people in Gourock and are committed to supporting them through this consultation.
"All will be offered alternative roles at other Amazon sites.
"We will also provide a range of retraining and re-skilling opportunities for those who decide to pursue their career outside of Amazon.”
Labour MSP Neil Bibby said: “This is devastating. For 19 years, Amazon has been a major source of jobs in a part of Scotland with high unemployment and for 300 people to find out they are out of a work so soon after Christmas is a hammer blow.
“This workforce played a major role in supporting people through the pandemic and the holiday period. Their hard work made sure our supplies arrived when we were locked down and our gifts arrived before Christmas day.
“The Scottish Government should leave no stone unturned in trying to minimise the impact of these job losses and help people back into employment.
SNP MP Ronnie Cowan said: "This news from Amazon is a serious blow to Gourock, Inverclyde and Scotland.
"I am seeking urgent talks with Amazon over its decision to close its operation with the loss of more than 300 jobs.
"On the global scale of Amazon's business I am at a loss as to how this will benefit the company going forward.
"Over many years Amazon has benefitted from a loyal, committed and productive workforce in Gourock and whatever the reasons for this decision, it cannot be any reflection on the workforce.
"It goes without saying that in the midst of a cost of living crisis this will come as a hammer blow to the staff and their families."
Alba General Secretary Chris McEleny, who represented Gourock on Inverclyde Council for ten years, said:
"This is a big blow to Inverclyde. We need an urgent intervention from the Scottish Government to demand that the cost of Amazon leaving Inverclyde is the handing back of the millions of pounds of aid they have received from the Government.
"The reality is that companies like Amazon are parasites. There will be many calls now from politicians trying to save these jobs but what we need to do is use this as an opportunity to have a step change in Government policy that rolls out the red carpet tor these large tax dodging corporations only for them to walk all over our communities."
The jobs blow followed news the tech giant plans to axe 18,000 jobs worldwide.
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