Amazon has announced plans to close three major warehouses in the United Kingdom putting 1,200 jobs at risk, as the company restructures its operations in Britain during an economic slowdown.

US-based e-commerce company last week disclosed it would cut more than 18,000 jobs globally in the biggest redundancies programme in its history, as part of plans to reduce costs.

According to Reuters, a spokesperson said Jeff Bezos’ firm has launched consultations over the closure of three UK warehouses.

A spokesman for the company 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.”