AMAZON is to recruit 10,000 new workers in Britain, the online giant announced today, prompting renewed calls for union rights.

The move, which includes the creation of a new parcel centre, four “fulfilment centres” and the expansion of its delivery station network, will bring the company’s UK workforce up to 55,000 in total by the end of the year.

The company tripled its profits to £5.8 billion during the first three months of this year, riding high on the internet-shopping boom during the Covid-19 crisis, but has long been criticised for its anti-union stance.