A SUB-CONTRACTOR brought in to help finish off Amazon's newest warehouse in the North East has reportedly dismissed dozens of workers after a protest last week.

Campaigners have again this week launched further protests outside the retailer's Gateshead Fulfilment Centre, due to open later this year, as a result.

It is understood that around 30 electricians were suddenly informed via a text message last Friday that they would have to leave the site at the end of their shift.

Follow: Live updates as protesters gather outside Amazon’s Gateshead warehouse

It comes as The Northern Echo first revealed that campaigners had staged a protest outside the site on Wednesday against SSE Enterprise Contracting and SIS Systems.

Read more: Sub-contractor accused of using 'unskilled' workers to finish Amazon warehouse 

At the time, campaigners from Rank and File accused the sub-contractors of using labourers instead of qualified professionals in order to finish the warehouse.

SSE Enterprise Contracting responded to the claims saying all workers are 'suitably skilled,' while Amazon said the matters concerns the contractors directly.

The Northern Echo: The future Amazon site under construction Picture: JIM SCOTTThe future Amazon site under construction Picture: JIM SCOTT

But it has since emerged that SIS Systems had reportedly dismissed a number of its workers following last week's events.

Jim Harte, Chair of Rank and File, told The Echo: "SIS, have paid off 30 electricians who took part in Wednesday’s demo and are looking to replace them on Monday.

"They have also threatened to withhold wages for any of those 30 sparks who take part in future action against them."

In a text message sent to workers, those affected were told they would have to take their tools off the site and that they would be "removed" from its clock-on system.

Read more: Amazon accused of 'destroying' unsold goods at Fulfilment Centre

It said: "We have been informed by our client, SIS systems that today will be your last day on site.

"Please make sure you take all your tools off site at the end of your shift today as you will be removed from the Winvic Scanning System at 13.15 hours.

"Furthermore our client has made it clear that if there are any issues of threatening behaviour, sabotage or any trouble whatsoever then nobody will be paid by SIS for the week."

Read more: I did a shift working with Amazon's robots at its site in Durham

In response to the concerns, the main contractor TGW Logistics Group said it would be committing to help "investigate and clear up" the incident in Gateshead.

A spokesperson said: “The allegations were raised against a subcontractor of one of our suppliers, who is contracted to perform electrical assembly.

"TGW commits to help investigate and clear up the incident quickly and to ensure that the sub-suppliers comply with British labour law.

"To achieve this goal, TGW is in contact with the organisations involved.”

Amazon said that the matters relate to the contractors directly, which it said it expected all to ensure their workers are suitably trained. 

An Amazon spokesperson said: “This matter concerns a small number of contractors working at the Gateshead site and had no operational impact on the construction works currently taking place.

"We expect the contractors to ensure their workers are suitably trained and undertake all work according to industry standards.”

SIS Systems has been approached for comment.