AMAZON’S overdue delivery of a pay rise for thousands of staff is proof of the value of joining a trade union, Jeremy Corbyn declared today.

The online delivery giant, which has been plagued by reports of shocking treatment of staff at its warehouses, announced a rise in its minimum pay rate to £9.50 an hour (£10.50 in London) for 17,000 direct employees and a further 20,000 seasonal workers, including those hired by agencies, effective on November 1.

Amazon vice-president and British manager Doug Gurr said the firm was “excited” about the announcement, but Mr Corbyn and the GMB union, which organises many of its staff, said the corporation has a long way to go.