Amazon responds to accusations of 'low paid' staff camping near work as they can't afford to commute

Amazon employees have been choosing to sleep in tents close to work as they can’t afford to commute.

This is according to The Courier, which revealed that at least three tents have been spotted in woodlands near the company’s fulfilment centre in Fife, Scotland.

An anonymous worker told the newspaper that Amazon was a “poor employer” and that he had opted to stay in a tent as it was easier and cheaper than commuting.

Willie Rennie, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, told The Courier: “Amazon should be ashamed that they pay their workers so little that they have to camp out in the dead of winter to make ends meet.

“Amazon need to take a long, hard look at themselves and change their ways. They pay a small amount of tax and received millions of the pounds from the SNP Government, so the least they should do is pay the proper living wage.”

However, Amazon has responded by saying: “Amazon provides a safe and positive workplace. The safety and wellbeing of our permanent and temporary associates is our number one priority.

“We are also proud to have been able to create several thousand new permanent roles in our UK fulfilment centres over the last five years.

“We pay competitive wages – all permanent and temporary Amazon associates start on £7.35 an hour or above, regardless of age, and £11 an hour and above for overtime.”

Paul Ashraf, General Manager at Amazon, also defended the company and its treatment of staff. He told the Scottish newspaper: “I focus very heavily, especially in peak times, on associate experience.

“We know it’s a very intense time for them, as it’s a month of hard work for everybody, but we’ve got to make sure that it’s safe for them and that they have fun along the way.”