MP hails Amazon as biggest Welsh job boost in a decade
16th April 2008
Aberavon MP Dr Hywel Francis has welcomed the opening of the Amazon distribution centre in his constituency of Aberavon as the biggest boost for jobs in Wales in over a decade.
Aberavon MP Dr Hywel Francis at the Amazon development opening in Jersey Marine
Dr Francis said,
'I was delighted to be present at the opening of this exciting new development at Jersey Marine in my Aberavon constituency. The coming 1,200 permanent jobs and up to 1,500 seasonal jobs to the locality is tremendous news for the local economy.
This vast complex – the size of 10 rugby pitches – is a great success story for Labour led Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council which has worked in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government and Amazon to bring what First Minister Rhodri Morgan has called a truly global brand to Wales.
Dr Francis added,
'In discussions with senior managers of Amazon and the local Job Centre Plus I was delighted to be told that agreements are in place to ensure that local people will be recruited by the company.'
Dr Francis concluded,
'Later in the day I visited nearby Briton Ferry where I met community leaders who told me that agencies such as Shaw Trust and voluntary organisations like Communities First are already actively involved in recruitment.'
