Amazon to Invest £40 Billion in UK: What It Means for Immigration and Jobs

 

Source: The Times UK | AI-assisted summary via ChatGPT

In a major vote of confidence for the UK economy, Amazon has announced a staggering £40 billion investment over the next three years. This includes the construction of four new robotic fulfilment centres, AWS data infrastructure, and a major expansion of the Bray Film Studios and central London offices.

The move is expected to create over 4,000 jobs, ranging from warehouse roles to tech and AI positions. For a country tightening its immigration rules, this announcement poses a timely question: where will the labour come from?

Under the new immigration rules introduced in May 2025, many mid- and lower-skilled jobs—such as warehouse operators and customer service agents—are no longer eligible for work visas. This could create a labour shortage in the very sectors Amazon is looking to grow. The irony is hard to miss: while the UK is closing doors to workers, companies are opening new ones.

This investment underscores the need for a balanced immigration strategy. The tech and logistics sectors are growing fast, and without a reliable labour force—homegrown or migrant—the UK may not be able to keep pace.

It also signals Amazon’s long-term commitment to the UK, especially in tech. But for international tech professionals, the UK's higher visa thresholds may now discourage entry, pushing talent toward Canada, Ireland, or Germany.