Amazon will create 2,000 UK jobs as Kindle Fire HD comes to Blighty

ONLINE RETAILER Amazon has announced plans to create 2,000 jobs in the UK, following the launch of its Android Kindle Fire HD in Blighty.

As well as 2,000 permanent jobs, the online retailing behemoth is promising to create 3,000 temporary positions over the Christmas period, as it expects huge demand for its new Kindle ereader and tablet devices.

These 5,000 jobs will include positions in Amazon's HR, IT, facilities, management and learning and development sectors.

"We have created thousands of jobs in the UK over the last few years and are delighted to announce that we plan to create thousands more in the next 24 months," said Christopher North, managing director of Amazon.co.uk.

"Our recruitment team has been exceptionally busy recently hiring hundreds of employees at the Hemel Hempstead fulfilment centre and they will certainly be busy over the next couple of years as we continue to expand to provide customers with the best possible experience. We look forward to welcoming thousands of new recruits to the Amazon team."

Prime Minister David Cameron also commented on the hiring plans, saying, "I am delighted that Amazon will create thousands of new jobs. This is great news, not only for those individuals who will find work, but for the UK economy.

"This shows that the UK has the infrastructure and talent to continue to attract major investments from leading companies such as Amazon."

This announcement from Amazon comes just hours after the firm finally unveiled plans to bring its Kindle Fire tablets to the UK.

As well an updated version of its original Kindle Fire tablet, which will retail for £129, the firm will also bring its new 7in Kindle Fire HD tablet to Blighty. This tablet looks set to challenge rival tablet makers with its dirt-cheap £159 price tag and specifications that include a 1280x800 HD display, an OMAP 4470 processor and 16GB of built-in storage. µ