Reports of Closure of Gourock Amazon Distribution Centre

That the Parliament notes with concern the reported announcement by Amazon of the imminent closure of its distribution site in Gourock, Inverclyde, in the West Scotland region; considers that the company has been an employer in the area for 19 years, and currently employs around 300 workers; commends what it regards as the immense contribution made by these workers supporting households and providing vital supplies throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and holiday periods; notes with concern the reported allegations made by workers at Amazon warehouses in Scotland to Unite the Union’s confidential whistleblowing hotline, which has allegedly included being denied basic employment rights, being refused paternity leave, being forced to stand for hours on end, and being followed by managers into bathrooms; further notes that Amnesty International has reportedly condemned Amazon for repeatedly issuing legal notices to trade union organisers who were attempting to talk to Amazon workers outside Amazon facilities in the UK; notes reports that the Scottish Government awarded Amazon a £15 million tender to host services for a new NHS Scotland digital platform in May 2021, which, it considers, is incompatible with the Scottish Government’s stated fair work approach to procurement policy; understands that a further £7.3 million has been awarded by the Scottish Government to Amazon for web services since 2018-19; notes the belief that trade union recognition should be a statutory requirement for employers seeking Scottish Government contracts; further notes the view that the Scottish Government should terminate all existing contracts with Amazon; notes calls on the Scottish Government to ensure that all staff at risk of losing their jobs at the Gourock distribution centre are fully assisted by the company to either be relocated within the company on equivalent or superior terms and conditions, or sufficiently retrained for future employment, and further notes the view that the Scottish Government should intervene as a matter of urgency to support all affected workers, and ensure they are helped back into employment.