Amazon has responded after being criticised for its "shameful" pay rise handed to thousands of workers in the North East.

The retailer has been slammed after workers at Gateshead, Durham and Darlington were given a five percent boost in their pay packets.

The retailer, which also has smaller delivery hubs in Washington and Newcastle, has been accused of failing to pay its workers fairly amid the cost of living crisis.

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Last night, workers told The Northern Echo that the rate of pay being offered was not enough and said that union officials had been at sites in the North East.

The Northern Echo: Amazon Durham Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTAmazon Durham Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

One worker said union reps were at the entrance of Amazon Durham in Bowburn earlier this week, calling on new members so they can start strike action.

They said workers had been offered a "shameful" pay rise as they received a 50p rise.

In a statement, GMB Union said the current rate of pay - starting at £10.50 including the pay rise - was forcing workers and families into hardship.

GMB also suggested that strike action had already been taken in parts of the UK, something that has not yet happened in the North East.

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They said: “Amazon one of the most profitable companies in the world have angered employees by offering a pay increase which falls well below current living standards forcing employees and their families into financial hardship, this has led to wildcat strikes and action short of strike taking place across many Amazon sites over an abysmal 35p/50p per hour.  

"GMB union (the only union for Amazon workers) have pledged to fight tooth and nail for fifteen pound per hour and improved terms and conditions for workers.

The Northern Echo: Amazon Durham Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTAmazon Durham Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

"GMB have been protesting across Amazon sites where workers have openly been threatened with dismissal if they join the union.

"We are encouraging all Amazon workers to join GMB and get organised in order to fight for fair pay, Enough is enough and workers deserve more.”

Around 1,300 permanent workers are employed at each Amazon Fulfilment Centre in the North East with hundreds of further staff working at the smaller delivery hubs.

The retailer opened its first warehouse in the North East back in 2020 and has since opened two more - with a fourth expected to open on Teesside later this year.

What Amazon has had to say

In response to the concerns, Amazon said: “Starting pay for Amazon employees will be increasing to a minimum of between £10.50 and £11.45 per hour, depending on location.

"This represents a 29 percent increase in the minimum hourly wage paid to Amazon associates since 2018.

"On top of this, employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, subsidised meals, an employee discount and more, which combined are worth thousands of pounds annually, as well as a company pension plan.

“Our employees have the choice of whether or not to join a union. They always have. We’ve made great progress in recent years and months in important areas like pay and safety.

"The fact is, we already offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and excellent opportunities for career growth, all while working in a safe and modern environment. The unions know this.”

Amazon confirmed that the current pay rise from £10 to £10.50 had been given to all full-time, part-time, seasonal and temporary workers in the North East.

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