'Runaway company' Amazon UK slammed over 'insulting' tax bill
The GMB union has accused Amazon UK of being “pandemic profiteers” whose latest tax bill is “frankly insulting”.
The company paid £18.3 million in corporation tax in 2020, a rise of £3.8 million on 2019, as coronavirus crisis demand meant total group revenues passed £20 billion in the country.
Mick Rix, GMB National Officer, says: “Thousands of businesses across the UK have folded during the pandemic.”
“Yet despite making billions from lockdown shopping, and trousering millions in government contracts and subsidies, Amazon has paid a frankly insulting amount of tax back into Treasury coffers.”
He adds: “At the same time Amazon workers suffer unsafe, dehumanising work practices; breaking bones, falling unconscious and being taken away in ambulances.”
“Ministers must get a grip of this runaway company and make sure pandemic profiteers pay more.”
Defending its UK tax contribution, Amazon said it had a strong record of job creation in the UK, with 55,000 people now directly employed by the e-commerce giant and more being sought.
It also flagged £32 billion invested in its infrastructure since 2010.
A spokesperson said: "We are proud of the significant economic contribution we are making to the UK economy.”
"Looking ahead, we know that the UK remains full of opportunity and we continue to be excited by the potential to continue to invest, create jobs, develop talent and have a positive impact in communities across the country."
