By Alex Glenn • Published: 17 Oct 2021 • 12:22
Image: Pixabay
Amazon delivers Christmas ‘knock-out blow’ to small companies.
The UK is expected to experience a huge demand for short-term workers over Christmas. Amazon is set to recruit around 20,000 temporary staff. Due to labour shortages, they are offering signup bonuses worth a staggering £3,000.
The signup bonuses will only be available in areas struggling with a shortage of labour.
Many companies will battle it out for labour in the run-up to Christmas, according to The Food and Drink Federation. Many small firms will not be able to compete with the bonuses on offer from Amazon. This could see Christmas supplies and deliveries hit hard.
Ian Wright is the chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation. He believes that the signup bonuses from Amazon will be a “knock-out blow” for other companies.
Wright explained: “There isn’t a vast reservoir of British workers just waiting to be fought over. It’s incredibly difficult to get Christmas staff labour in many areas.
“It will mean higher prices and fewer choices on shelves. Suppliers will almost certainly produce shorter runs of product and if they can, they will look at higher prices.”
Amazon commented on the new bonuses. A spokesperson said: “Amazon is hiring for seasonal positions across its UK network during the festive season. We are also currently offering a sign-on bonus at a number of locations to attract new permanent and seasonal associates.”
Parents have been warned to start their Christmas shopping early so that children are not left disappointed.
Founder of The Entertainer, Gary Grant commented: “If you know what you want to buy your child, don’t be chasing round the country in December.”
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Originally from the UK, Alex is based in Almeria and is a web reporter for The Euro Weekly News covering international and Spanish national news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com.
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