Amazon is set to increase its UK headcount to nearly 30,000 with recruitment to 2,000 new roles across the organisation this year.

The online retail titan’s latest recruitment drive will give the business a 29,500-strong workforce by the end of the year.

Doug Gurr index

Amazon UK boss Doug Gurr said the country is ‘a fantastic hub for global talent’

Amazon will be hiring across the business including engineers, data scientists and machine learning experts, alongside more entry-level positions.

Of the new roles being created, 170 will be at the etailer’s development centres in Cambridge, Edinburgh and London, which focus on developing cutting-edge technology to be deployed across the group.

UK country manager Doug Gurr said: “We are delighted to be able to continue to invest and grow our UK business.

“The UK is a fantastic hub for global talent and the exciting, innovative work that takes place here benefits Amazon’s customers around the world. Whether you are looking for a highly specialised role at one of our fulfilment centres or in a field such as machine learning or flight engineering, we offer a wide variety of opportunities.”

Chancellor Philip Hammond said: “Today’s announcement from Amazon is a clear vote of confidence in the British economy.”