PROFITEERING online retailer Amazon was accused today of making more than £10 billion last year off the back of its workers’ health, safety, pay and working conditions.

Figures released by the company show that the firm, which runs a string of giant warehouses across Britain, made £10.7 billion in global profits over the whole of 2019.

Amazon’s profits for the fourth quarter of 2019 were £3.1bn in the final three months of the year.

GMB national officer Mick Rix said: “Amazon’s profits come at a heavy cost.

“Conditions at the company’s warehouses are appalling. Workers are breaking bones, being knocked unconscious, being taken away in ambulances.

“It’s time for Amazon to take its social responsibilities seriously, reinvest its profits in creating a safe environment, and listen to the independent voice of its workers who are crying out for change.”

GMB has also accused the company of using tax loopholes to avoid paying an estimated £89 million in corporation tax.

As reported in the Morning Star, working conditions in Amazon’s warehouses are appalling.

Over the last three years ambulances have been called to Amazon warehouses 600 times to deal with emergencies including broken bones, and workers collapsing.

The company refuses to recognise trade unions, but general union GMB has recruited workers at the firm who have given graphic reports on shocking working conditions, low wages and insecurity of employment.

Research carried out by the TUC revealed last year that Amazon employees would have to work for five weeks to receive the same amount in pay that the company’s boss Jeff Bezos is paid in one second.