Call to probe Amazon working conditions

Workers at Amazon are “breaking their bones, are being knocked unconscious, and being taken away in ambulances”, according to Labour amid calls for an urgent inquiry into working conditions at the company.

Shadow business, energy and industrial strategy minister Laura Pidcock said workers at the company are being treated “disgustingly”, and urged the government to intervene.

Speaking in the Commons, Ms Pidcock said: “This is the situation for workers in Amazon. Workers are breaking their bones, are being knocked unconscious, and being taken away in ambulances.

“Is the government going to demand an urgent inquiry, or does it wash its hands of these workers? Because at the heart of the issue at Amazon is a hostile environment for trade unions who are often the only force that can resist exploitative practices.”

She added: “Why are the government sitting on their hands while the richest man in the world treats his workers so disgustingly under their watch?”

Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Minister Kelly Tolhurst replied: “The honourable lady makes allegations about a particular organisation, and she is quite welcome to write to me further about those particular allegations.”

She added: “There is sufficient laws within place in the workplace – we have the Health and Safety Executive, for example – and I would expect that, if the honourable lady does have evidence to certain employers breaking the law, that that is passed on to the relevant agencies.”