Jeff Bezos wealth exceeds $171 billion during pandemic

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

By the end of the year the online giant will have 55,000 staff here. The new jobs are permanent and will cover a wide range of roles ­from head office and operations to Amazon’s Web Services, its cloud computing arm. Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, who visited the company’s plant in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, yesterday, said: “Amazon’s announcement is fantastic news.

“It’s a huge vote of confidence in the British economy, helping us deliver on our commitment to level up across the UK with a whopping 10,000 new ­permanent jobs.

“As we build back better from the pandemic, this is a prime investment in our retail sector.

“Over the past year, Amazon’s workforce have pulled out all the stops to ensure consumers have ­had safe access to goods during this ­challenging time.

“Their latest investment will open up a wide range ­ of opportunities for even more ­workers, helping to develop the ­skills needed to power tomorrow’s economy.” 

Amazon also announced yesterday plans to spend £10million over three years to train up to 5,000 employees in new skills.

The news came days after it won a legal fight against a European Union demand ­to pay more than ­£210million in ­back taxes.

The decision by the bloc’s second highest court dealt a blow to Brussels’ crackdown on alleged unfair tax deals for multinationals.

The General Court ruled Amazon had not enjoyed a “sweetheart” tax deal with Luxembourg.

It recently emerged that the mammoth’s European business paid no corporation tax last year despite achieving record sales of £38billion.

The firm, founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, has come under fire over allegedly poor working conditions. Amazon has always denied it.

It says fulfilment workers are paid at least £10.80 an hour in the London area, and £9.70 elsewhere.

Source: Read Full Article