Amazon has announced it will shut three UK warehouses, a decision that will affect 1,200 jobs, but open two new major fulfilment centres.

Sites in Hemel Hempstead, Doncaster and Gourock, in the west of Scotland, have been proposed for closure.

A spokesman said all the workers would be offered roles at other existing Amazon locations.

The planned new sites are slated for Peddimore in the West Midlands and Stockton-on-Tees in the North East.

Amazon hoped they would result in the creation of 2,500 jobs over the next three years.

The company explained: “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.”

The announcement followed a group decision last week to axe 18,000 jobs globally, making Amazon the latest US tech firm to slash its workforce in the tougher economy.

Amazon has more than 1.5 million employees around the world – with 300 thousand in corporate roles which were most likely to be affected by the worldwide cuts.