Technology organisation Amazon is to offer employees an extra $2 (£1.70) per hour during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
In addition to hiring 100,000 new full and part-time staff to cope with the challenges created by the spread of Coronavirus, throughout April, Amazon employees across the US, Canada and Europe will be paid an extra $2 in local currency, in addition to the organisation’s minimum pay of $15 (£12.76) per hour. This amounts to a a $350 million (£297.7 million) by the business.
The organisation also recommended on March 12 that every employee that can work in a role that can work from home, should do so through to the end of March.
Employees diagnosed with Coronavirus, or who are asked to self-isolate, will receive up to two weeks of pay.
On 11 March 2020, the employer also announced the formation of the Amazon Relief Fund, with the initial contribution being $25 million (£21.3 million), focused on supporting independent delivery service partners and their drivers, Amazon Flex participants, and seasonal employees. Applicants will be able to apply and receive a personal grant from $400 (£340.40) to $5,000 (£4255.00).
A spokesperson for Amazon said: “As a global organisation, we’re closely monitoring the impact of Covid-19. In addition to those who are affected by the illness, many more are indirectly dealing with changes in their work, school, and community environments.
“Health and safety are a top priority with all of our roles and sites. We continue to consult with medical and health experts, and take all recommended precautions in our buildings and stores to keep people healthy.”