INVERCLYDE'S MP has called for urgent support to help the local Amazon staff who are facing redundancy and highlighted a range of local job opportunities for them.

Ronnie Cowan has thanked companies who contacted him to highlight vacancies after the online retail giant sparked outrage by unveiling plans to shut its Gourock distribution centre and axe more than 300 local jobs.

Companies including McGill's, CalMac, GEOAmey and Glasgow Airport have all confirmed they have posts available that those out of work can apply for.

Mr Cowan told the Telegraph his staff had been working 'flat out' to identify opportunities for Amazon staff.

He said: "They [Mr Cowan's staff] have contacted various companies and I am heartened by some of the responses we have received.

"I am also grateful to companies who have reached out to my office off the back of the Amazon announcement.

"There is no magic wand to wave at this situation, but there are undoubtedly opportunities.

"Glasgow Airport, for example, contacted my office to inform me of their jobs fair, the biggest they had ever staged.

"It involved more than 30 companies based at the airport or in its support network, with more than 320 jobs available.

"There is strong cause to hope that the skills of the Amazon workers will be transferable to some of these roles.

"These are companies who clearly value workers in a way that Amazon does not.

"The process of identifying job opportunities will continue and I would urge potential employers to get in touch with my office.

"I am also continuing to assist and engage with Skills Development Scotland."

The SNP politician says he has spoken to both SDS and Inverclyde Council about potential opportunities for those left without work.

He added that firms such as Teleperformance say they are confident they could offer long-term employment to axed Amazon workers, while EE/BT have informed the MP's office they would be happy to host experience sessions to allow those made redundant some insight into their ways of working.

Mr Cowan is meanwhile continuing to put the pressure on to ensure Amazon are held to account for their conduct while highlighting the base they will leave behind as an opportunity for inward investment.

He said: "For loyal workers to face redundancy like this, at a time when Amazon is relocating to other areas of the UK, is a disgrace.

"I have written to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Grant Shapps, asking him to set out what measures the UK government will put in place to support Inverclyde Amazon workers.

"I have also asked for clarification as to whether state aid for Amazon for its new facilities in England has been asked for or is being considered.

"Clearly, this would be unacceptable to me and the people of Inverclyde.

"As well as identifying new jobs, we must now look at the potential for this excellent site in Gourock, and what opportunities are possible going forward."

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