Amazon is hiring in Edinburgh again. Today the online behemoth announced that more than 900 new permanent and temporary jobs will be created over the next five years with the opening of a new customer service centre at Waverley Gate in the capital.
The announcement comes at a time when good news about the economy is in short supply with further announcements today that Lloyds Banking Group is to axe another 360 jobs, and a wider picture of an economy becoming gripped by stagflation.
Amazon's new call centre will handle internet and telephone customer queries for Amazon.co.uk including technical support for Amazon Kindle and MP3.
"As our business continues to grow and we move into new areas like Grocery, Sports and Clothing, our customer services support needs to expand as well," said Allan Lyall, Vice President of European Operations and Customer Service at Amazon.
"Edinburgh is an outstanding location, providing us with access to a highly-skilled workforce who will help us to achieve the high standards of customer service that shoppers at Amazon.co.uk expect."
The new customer service centre in Edinburgh will open in August, months before the online retailer opens a new 1 million sq ft fulfilment centre in Dunfermline. The new fulfilment centre, which will open before the end of 2011, will create 750 new jobs along with 1500 further temporary roles during the busy Christmas period.
"Scotland has been home to a number of Amazon fulfilment centres for many years and we are delighted to be expanding our operations within the country with a new customer service centre and fulfilment facility," continued Allan Lyall.
First Minister Alex Salmond said the announcement provides "a significant boost to the local economy".
An Amazon software development centre, responsible for devising, creating and developing major features for Amazon customers worldwide, is also situated at Waverley Gate.
Amazon jobs - further info