Shock has been expressed after it was announced this morning that 300 jobs are to go at the Amazon warehouse in Gourock.

Our sister paper The Greenock Telegraph reports that they understand the facility could close as early as March 19 in a bodyblow to the local area.

Inverclyde MP Ronnie Cowan has reacted to the bombshell news.

He said: "This is a serious blow to Gourock, Inverclyde and Scotland.

"Amongst the number crunching we must remember that 300 families are affected by this decision. 

"They will be under an enormous strain, and we must do whatever we can to help find them gainful employment and help them through a very difficult time.

"I am seeking urgent talks with Amazon over its decision to close the operation with the loss of over 300 jobs.

"On the global scale of Amazon's business I am at a loss 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 the cost of living crisis this will come as a hammerblow to the staff and their families. 

"Amazon has said it will try to re-deploy workers but so far has given me no firm commitments. 

"I now want to see both the UK and Scottish governments intervene to see what measures can be taken."

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.

"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 other centres which will shut are in Hemel Hempstead and Doncaster.

The 900 staff across those sites are being offered roles in nearby bases.

Of the around 300 people employed in Inverclyde, Amazon say they recognise that relocation will not be a viable option for some, so they anticipate people leaving the business.

They added that they will provide training, re-skilling and development programmes to support the employees who are being axed, to enable them to pursue a career elsewhere.

New 'fulfilment centres' will also be built in Peddimore, West Midlands, and Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham.