By Margaret Canning

Copyright independent

Around 500 of the jobs are temporary positions to work during the busy Christmas period.

The company said the Green Lane system under the Windsor Framework means the depot can speed up cross-border shipping when bringing goods into the North.

The depot will act as a hub to distribute goods across the North and the Republic.

It is the first Evri depot in the North and follows the company’s acquisition of custom clearance and logistics specialist Coll-8, in the Republic.

Evri described the opening as “a strategic move to fully integrate with Evri’s UK network, meaning faster shipping, smoother returns and an automated customs process”.

And the firm said its location would give it a “strategic” advantage, given the North’s dual access to the UK and European Union markets following Brexit.

The company said: “The depot will serve as a strategic gateway for distributing goods across England, Scotland, Wales and the wider EU via the Republic of Ireland, enabling frictionless movement across borders, simplifying logistics and accelerating delivery times for consumers.”

The 650 new jobs include 50 at the depot in roles such as warehouse staff, drivers, supervisors and managers.

Evri has created 85 permanent courier roles in the region, including Belfast, Craigavon and Strabane. A further 515 temporary Christmas roles are needed.

Couriers earn around £18 an hour on average and Evri said it is offering successful applicants in Belfast, Craigavon and Strabane an additional £3,000 “welcome payment”, as it looks to expand its network across the North.

Conor Ormsby, country manager at Evri, said: “We’re delighted to officially open our Belfast depot.

“We anticipate another record peak driven by consumer behaviour and the continuation of online retail growth.

“This site will help us meet that demand and ensure we can maintain a faster, smoother supply chain reducing the number of days taken to deliver over the festive period and beyond.

“The depot’s strategic positioning will support or continued international growth operating as a gateway to the EU.

“As well as our depot opening, we’re investing heavily in recruitment with a total of 600 roles.

“Our couriers are the backbone of our business, so it’s fantastic that we’re able to expand our network throughout Northern Ireland to reflect the growth we’re seeing in the region.”

He added: “Service, reliability and quality are critical factors for our clients and consumers, and by growing our network of self-employed couriers, we are committed to delivering on each of those areas.”

Tom Donnan, head of agency and director at Lambert Smith Hampton Ireland, said: “We were delighted to act on behalf of Evri in securing the site for their new warehouse in one of the most significant lettings of the year.

“Evri’s commitment to Belfast signifies confidence in the region.”