Amazon to create another 1,500 UK jobs

Amazon is creating jobs in the UK at a far faster rate than previously planned. Today it announced another new warehouse, this time in Tilbury, Essex, which will employ 1,500 staff.

Sky News reports the new roles will come in addition to 500 jobs at a separate centre in Doncaster - and that they are also on top of 3,500 previously announced for the end of 2016.

By the time that initial burst of new hiring is completed, Amazon will employ 15,500 permanent staff in the UK.

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The news is positive in the context of the post-Brexit vote economy as it emphasises the company's pledge that the shock referendum result and impending EU departure have not change its UK investment plans.

Amazon has put £4.6bn into the country over the past six years.

It's also another sign of the booming demand for internet shopping. The Office for National Statistics says online retail sales increased by close to 17 per cent in July compared to last year, making 14 per cent of the overall total.

The Guardian reports the Tilbury warehouse will be equipped with Amazon Robotics technology, which allow product shelves to move to the human stock pickers rather than the other way around, saving time and space.