Amazon has revealed plans to increase pay rates for frontline operations staff in the UK from this month as part of a £170 million investment in wages.
Depending on location, all employees will earn at least £11.80 to £12.50 per hour from 15 October, rising to between £12.30 and £13 in April 2024.
Full-time, part-time, seasonal and temporary workers will be eligible for the new rates, which will see their hourly pay increase by at least £1.
According to the online retail giant, the move will mean its minimum starting salaries will have grown by 20% in two years, and by 50% in five years.
From their first day of employment, Amazon staff have access to an employee benefits provision which includes life assurance, private medical insurance, income protection, employee discounts and subsidised meals, as well as a workplace pension scheme. It also provides a Career Choice programme that covers the cost of skills development courses up to £8,000 in a four-year period.
The company says that the combined benefits package is worth thousands of pounds annually.
Amazon UK country manager John Boumphrey said: “We have some of the most talented colleagues around, and we’re proud to offer them competitive wages and benefits, as well as fantastic opportunities for career development, all in a safe and modern work environment. These are just some of the reasons people want to work at Amazon, whether it’s their first job, a seasonal role or an opportunity for them to advance their career.”
The pay announcement was made as the company revealed it is now hiring for more than 15,000 seasonal positions around the UK.
Boumphrey added: “We prepare year-round for the festive season, so we’re also excited to have more than 15,000 seasonal positions available this year to help delight our customers. We look forward to welcoming back colleagues who return year-after-year to work at Amazon along with many who will join the seasonal team for the first time.”
