Amazon Announces Pay Hike and Hiring Spree for UK Operations Ahead of Christmas

Amazon, the global e-commerce giant, has unveiled plans to increase pay for its operations workers in the UK and hire an additional 15,000 staff in preparation for the upcoming holiday season. The company aims to meet the surge in demand expected during the Christmas period.

Starting from October 15, Amazon will raise the base pay for its frontline operations workers, including part-time, temporary, and seasonal roles, as well as full-time positions. Depending on location, the pay will range from £11.80 to £12.50 per hour. By April 2024, Amazon plans to further increase wages to between £12.30 and £13 per hour.

This move represents a significant £170 million investment by Amazon in pay for its UK workforce. It also marks a 20% increase in minimum starting pay over the past two years and a 50% increase since 2018.

John Boumphrey, Amazon’s UK country manager, expressed pride in offering competitive wages and benefits, along with opportunities for career development, in a safe and modern work environment. He highlighted the reasons why people choose to work at Amazon, whether it’s their first job, a seasonal role, or a chance to advance their careers.

However, the GMB Union, representing Amazon workers, expressed dissatisfaction with the pay increase, citing concerns over poverty wages, unsafe working conditions, and workplace surveillance. Rachel Fagan, a GMB organizer, stated that while the pay rise was a result of GMB members’ efforts, Amazon should strive to do better.

Amazon’s decision to boost pay and hiring comes amidst ongoing protests by warehouse workers in the UK, who have been demanding better wages and improved working conditions. In January, workers at Amazon’s Coventry fulfillment centers organized the first legally-mandated walkout in the company’s UK history. They also sought to become a legally recognized union with the support of the GMB Union.

Internationally, Amazon workers have been pushing for unionization, with mixed results. In the UK, an independent arbitration committee ruled against union recognition due to insufficient support from workers. However, in the US, a group of workers in New York’s Staten Island facility became the first to vote in favor of unionizing.

While Amazon has resisted unionization efforts, the company continues to face pressure from workers and unions globally. The recent pay hike and hiring spree in the UK are part of Amazon’s strategy to meet the increased demand during the holiday shopping season. Similar efforts are being made in the US, where Amazon plans to hire 250,000 temporary workers.

As Amazon strengthens its workforce and invests in pay, the company aims to address concerns raised by workers and unions while ensuring it can effectively meet customer demands during the festive period.