Amazon has confirmed that it will be closing a distribution centre in the North East later this year – affecting over 50 jobs.

The popular online-retailer argued that the closure of the distribution centre in Jarrow, South Tyneside is part of “evaluating” their network.

Staff at the site were informed of the closure on Tuesday and have been offered a transfer to other delivery stations in the local area.

It comes as more than 18,000 jobs worldwide were being slashed at the beginning of January in the largest layoffs programme in its history as part of plans to cut costs.

It is understood the job losses will include the UK and Europe, but the firm has not given details of how each country will be affected.

The group, which employs around 1.5 million people globally, had warned in November of job cuts without confirming a figure, but said it had found more roles would need to be axed as part of an in-depth review of its business.

Read more: Wynyard Amazon warehouse near Stockton finally confirmed

Amazon said roles that will be affected the most include those across its stores, such as Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go, as well as its human resources division.

Speaking about the Jarrow closure a spokesperson for the online titan 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.

“We also plan to open two new fulfilment centres creating 2,500 new jobs over the next three years.

“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.”

Just last week Amazon confirmed that they will be opening a new warehouse on Teesside.

Read next:

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here

A new ‘fulfilment centre’ at Wynyard, near the A19 is one of two major distribution hubs Amazon is set to open in the UK creating 2,500 jobs over the next three years.

The huge new site has been months in the making and will join Darlington, Durham and Gateshead as the company’s North East hubs.

An opening date for the site is still yet to be announced, but Amazon had been keeping tight-lipped on the new warehouse until now.