Jeremy Corbyn has wished “many happy tax returns” to tax-dodging multinational Amazon on the company’s 25th “birthday” today.
The Labour leader told Amazon boss Jeff Bezos to respect his staff and pay his company’s fair share of tax.
In a birthday card, Mr Corbyn said: “Dear Jeff. Happy Birthday.
“You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on.
“This year, pay your fair share of taxes, give your hard-working staff a pay rise, and respect workers’ rights.
“Many Happy Tax Returns, Jeremy.”
Amazon UK has paid only £1.7 million in tax since 2017, despite its pre-tax profits having tripled to £72 million in that time.
The turnover at its British branch, which deals with the packaging and deliveries of goods to British addresses, has risen from 35 per cent from £1.46 billion in 2017 to £1.98 billion in 2018.
The company says that it operates legally and in line with British corporation tax law, which is revenue-based rather than profit-based.
However, the GMB union has consistently criticised the company for allegedly clamping down on the workplace conditions of the 27,500 workers it employs in 27 warehouses across the country.
At Amazon’s packing warehouse in Rugeley, West Midlands, over 600 ambulance calls have been made since 2015 due to workers suffering injuries ranging from major trauma to skeletal issues.
Employees have also alleged that management have dismissed concerns and allegations about sexual harassment in the workplace and have allowed dangerous working conditions to continue.
An Amazon spokesperson said that criticisms of the company are “false and unsubstantiated,” adding: “We offer a safe, modern working environment.”
GMB national officer for the online retailer Mick Rix welcomed Mr Corbyn’s warning to Amazon, telling the Star: “We hope Jeff Bezos heeds Jeremy’s message and marks Amazon’s 25th birthday by paying its fair share of tax and giving workers the rights they're entitled to — health and safety protections, respect at work and a union voice.
“If that doesn’t happen then we hope next year’s birthday card contains a letter from the government ordering Amazon to pay its fair share and treat its workers with respect.”
The Labour leader told Amazon boss Jeff Bezos to respect his staff and pay his company’s fair share of tax.
In a birthday card, Mr Corbyn said: “Dear Jeff. Happy Birthday.
“You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on.
“This year, pay your fair share of taxes, give your hard-working staff a pay rise, and respect workers’ rights.
“Many Happy Tax Returns, Jeremy.”
Amazon UK has paid only £1.7 million in tax since 2017, despite its pre-tax profits having tripled to £72 million in that time.
The turnover at its British branch, which deals with the packaging and deliveries of goods to British addresses, has risen from 35 per cent from £1.46 billion in 2017 to £1.98 billion in 2018.
The company says that it operates legally and in line with British corporation tax law, which is revenue-based rather than profit-based.
However, the GMB union has consistently criticised the company for allegedly clamping down on the workplace conditions of the 27,500 workers it employs in 27 warehouses across the country.
At Amazon’s packing warehouse in Rugeley, West Midlands, over 600 ambulance calls have been made since 2015 due to workers suffering injuries ranging from major trauma to skeletal issues.
Employees have also alleged that management have dismissed concerns and allegations about sexual harassment in the workplace and have allowed dangerous working conditions to continue.
An Amazon spokesperson said that criticisms of the company are “false and unsubstantiated,” adding: “We offer a safe, modern working environment.”
GMB national officer for the online retailer Mick Rix welcomed Mr Corbyn’s warning to Amazon, telling the Star: “We hope Jeff Bezos heeds Jeremy’s message and marks Amazon’s 25th birthday by paying its fair share of tax and giving workers the rights they're entitled to — health and safety protections, respect at work and a union voice.
“If that doesn’t happen then we hope next year’s birthday card contains a letter from the government ordering Amazon to pay its fair share and treat its workers with respect.”
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