SCOTS working for web giant Amazon are to have a wage boost by Christmas as the multinational responds to pay pressure.
The company’s minimum wage will rise by 18.8% to £9.50 an hour for its 2500 Scottish staff as part of an uplift for its workforce in the UK and US.
Welcoming the news, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said “lots of pressure” has been put on the retailer by the Scottish Government, trade unions and others.
Amazon has been criticised for the pay and conditions for staff at its Dunfermline and Gourock warehouses. However, it has defended the investment in those sites and its Edinburgh development and customer service centre, as well as its contribution to the country’s economy.
Doug Gurr, the company’s vice president and UK country manager, said: “We’re excited to announce Amazon is raising our minimum wage for all full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary UK employees, effective from November 1. This will impact more than 37,000 employees across the country, resulting in higher pay for them and their families.”
GMB union called the increase “a start”, while the TUC’s Frances O’Grady commented: “If Amazon is really serious about looking after its workforce it must recognise trade unions, and it must end the exploitative working practices.”
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