Amazon plans to raise the wages of its UK and hire 15,000 new employees before the holidays, as the e-commerce giant prepares for a surge in demand before Christmas.
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The company announced on Monday that it will increase the basic salary of frontline employees in its operations, who pick, pack, store and ship items to its warehouses, from £11.80 to £12.50 per hour, depending on location. The pay increase extends to part-time, temporary and seasonal positions, as well as full-time, and will take effect from October 15.
In April 2024, Amazon announced that it would further increase the pay of its workers, from £12.30 to £13 per hour, depending on location . At the same time, the company said it would hire more than 15,000 seasonal workers at Amazon centers across the United Kingdom.
Amazon said the move represents a £170m investment by the company in wages. Amazon also says it means the minimum wage at its UK facilities will rise by 20% within two years, or 50% from 2018.
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“We have some of the most talented colleagues and we are proud to offer them competitive salaries and benefits, as well as fantastic opportunities for career development, all in a safe and modern environment working,” said John Boumphrey, manager at Amazon's UK.
“These are some of the reasons people want to work at Amazon – whether it's their first job, a seasonal role, or an opportunity to advance their career..”
Reacting to Monday's move, the GMB union said the development would bring "little comfort" to Amazon workers who face wage poverty, unhealthy working conditions and workplace.
Rachel Fagan, a GMB organizer, said on Monday that Amazon has spent millions in confrontation with its own workers over labor rights and fair pay.
“GMB members have managed to force a pay rise from one of the most powerful companies in the world – but Amazon can and must do even better.“
