"Amazon delivery drivers forced to pee in bottles and earning less than minimum wage", 24 December 2018

An undercover probe has discovered the horrendous conditions that delivery drivers who work for online giants Amazon are forced to work under... Experts and politicians have called for an urgent investigation into the Daily Record's findings at a leading Scottish depot of the firm.

The Record's reporter spent nearly three weeks working as a “self-employed” van driver with courier companies making deliveries for Amazon... findings reveal how drivers:

● Regularly work “illegal” 12-hour shifts – earning less than the minimum wage

● Get no holiday pay, sick pay or pensions as they are classed as self-employed

● Are charged to rent vans – which sometimes equates to the cost of buying the vehicle

● Are threatened with the sack for minor mistakes

● Complain to management that they are forced to drive dangerously in order to complete orders

● Have money deducted from wages to pay for criminal history checks, drug and alcohol testing

● Resort to urinating in bottles in the van because they can’t get a break

... A spokesman for Amazon said: “We are committed to ensuring that the people contracted by our independent delivery providers are fairly compensated, are treated with respect, follow all applicable laws and driving regulations. Ensuring drivers have a safe, positive experience is important to us, and they have a number of ways to share comments or concerns, including escalating any challenges to Amazon through a 24/7 hotline, which works quickly to investigate any concerns and supports drivers.”