Amazon accused of mistreating workers at Scottish warehouses

Internet shopping giant Amazon has come under fire in Scotland after reports emerged that the company was mistreating its warehouse employees.

Among the accusations are claims that workers have been penalised for taking sick leave, as well as some employees having to camp in a forest close to its Dunfermline warehouse.

According to reports from Scottish newspaper The Courier, at least three tents have been found pitched close to the Amazon "fulfilment centre" close to the M90. The reports suggest that the company is not paying its workers a living wage, with some working 60 hours per week.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has since blasted the company for its treatment of employees, saying the Seattle-based company should be "ashamed" of their actions.

"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," Rennie said. "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."

Amazon has responded to the accusations by defending its working conditions, which it believes to be its main priority.

"Amazon provides a safe and positive workplace. The safety and well-being of our permanent and temporary associates is our number one priority," a spokesperson said.

"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."

Workers are offered transport via Amazon through private bus companies, with fares costing up to £10 per day and leading to the employees taking the extreme option of camping in the woods.