Amazon to hire 100,000 new employees as demand surges due to coronavirus

Amazon announced the opening of 100,000 new positions across the United States, in an attempt to meet the advanced surge in demand for online shopping caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
The positions, which include both full- and part-time posts, will be in Amazon’s fulfillment centers and delivery network.
The online retail giant’s decision comes as the broad spread of COVID-19 has caused a growing demand for online shopping since more people – notably the elderly and the most vulnerable – remain isolated at home.
‘‘We are seeing a significant increase in demand, which means our labor needs are unprecedented for this time of year,’’ Amazon stated.
The company also invited employees from sectors hardly hit by the coronavirus crisis, such as hospitality, restaurants and travel, to join Amazon’s teams ‘‘until things return to normal and their past employer is able to bring them back.’’
In addition, the online retailer announced it will grant extra $2 per hour to its employees’ payment through the month of April, similarly to an additional £2 per hour in the UK, and approximately €2 per hour in many EU countries. The increased payment would represent an overall investment of over $350 million for employees across the US, Europe and Canada, the announcement read.
On Saturday, Amazon acknowledged that several popular brands and items, especially in household staples categories, were out of stock, while some deliveries were taking longer than usual. However, it reassured customers that the company is working with its selling partners to ensure that emerging problems are arranged.