Amazon has confirmed plans to close a distribution centre in Scotland, putting about 300 jobs at risk.

The online retail giant has launched a consultation with staff, but has yet to provide details of when the Gourock base will close.

The Inverclyde site is one of three fulfilment centres earmarked for closure in the UK.

It is understood that all workers at the sites will be offered roles at other Amazon locations.

The BBC says the move comes a few days after Amazon announced plans to cut more than 18,000 jobs globally from its consumer retail business and human-resources division, although it is understood the Gourock closure is separate from those plans.

An Amazon spokeswoman 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.

Consultation

"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.

"All employees affected by site-closure consultations will be offered the opportunity to transfer to other facilities, and we remain committed to our customers, employees, and communities across the UK."

The company added that it also planned to open two new fulfilment centres in England, creating 2,500 new jobs over the next three years.

Business minister Ivan McKee told the Scottish Parliament he would be meeting representatives of Amazon today to "further discuss and understand the decision".

He said the firm's Gourock site has received a total of just over £2million in financial support from the Scottish Government, with the last payment made in 2011.

Scottish Conservative MSP for West Scotland Jamie Greene said the potential closure would come as a huge blow to the workforce.

Dunfermline

Amazon's only other Scottish fulfilment centre is based in Dunfermline.

Its operations in Scotland include a development centre in Edinburgh, as well as delivery stations in Motherwell, Baillieston, Dundee, Bathgate and Portlethen, and an Amazon Fresh distribution site in Glasgow.

FTSE 100

The UK's top share index, the FTSE 100, was up 14 points at 7,708 shortly after opening this morning, following yesterday's 30-point loss.

Brent crude futures were 0.45% lower at $79.74 a barrel.

Companies reporting today

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