Amazon begins search for warehouse workers

Beth Dawson, from Hull, was among those who attended the Amazon recruitment event

An event has been held to recruit up to 2,000 workers for Amazon's new warehouse near Hull.

The retailer teamed up with Hull and East Riding councils to stage the event at the city's Central Library in Albion Street.

The facility at Melton West Business Park is expected to open later this year as part of Amazon's £40bn UK expansion plan.

Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, Hull City Council's portfolio holder for economic renewal, said: "Amazon's investment demonstrates the confidence that global companies have in the region's economy."

Information was provided about warehouse operative roles.

Beth Dawson, who attended the event, said: "I thought this would be a great opportunity for me because I keep getting rejected from jobs. I hope I'll be able to get a job and start as soon as possible."

She said it was "really hard" to find employment and welcomed the opportunity to meet with Amazon representatives.

"I've always thought somewhere like Amazon would be a great opportunity," she said.

Another jobseeker, Hussain, who did not want to give his surname, added: "I'm looking for a job and I heard about it through the employment hub. I'd like an administrative job but at the end of the day any kind of job because I really badly need a job."

Neil Williams, from Amazon, says the firm is looking for people who want to build a career

Amazon spokesman Neil Williams said: "There's a range of jobs and a wide variety of roles ranging from IT through to robotics engineers and HR professionals. There's a huge range of skills we will be looking for in recruitment and we're looking for people who want to develop a career."

Drake-Davis said the decision by Amazon to invest is "a real shot in the arm for the area's employment opportunities".

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