Workers at a huge Amazon warehouse in Kent have staged a protest over a 35p an hour pay rise offer.

Employees at the depot in Dartford took part in "slowdown work" today as they seek a £2 per hour rise amid the cost of living crisis.

The protests mean workers slow down their work to one package an hour - so they are still paid.

The GMB Union has demanded the £2 per hour rise to "better match the demands of the role and cope with the cost of living crisis".

But Amazon says pay for workers at the Dartford depot will be increasing to a minimum of £11.45 per hour for all full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary roles.

A similar protest was also held at the Belvedere depot, as well as at warehouses in Hemel Hempstead, Chesterfield and – on the other side of the Crossing – in Tilbury.

Videos shared online showed Amazon workers at the Essex warehouse staging a "sit-in" protest in the canteen.

Steve Garelick, GMB regional organiser, said: "Amazon is one of the most profitable companies on the planet.

"They made a fortune through the pandemic when people were unable to shop on the High Street. Now, with household costs spiralling, the least they can do is offer their workers decent pay.

"Amazon continues to reject working with trade unions to deliver better working conditions and fair pay. Their repeated use of short-term contracts is designed to undermine worker’s rights.

"The image the company likes to project, and the reality for their workers, could not be more different. They need to drastically improve pay and working conditions."

A spokesman for Amazon said starting pay for employees in Dartford will be increasing to a minimum of £11.45 per hour.

"This is for all full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary roles," they added.

"In addition to this competitive pay, employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, subsidised meals and an employee discount among others, which combined are worth thousands annually, as well as a company pension plan."

In November five people were arrested after Amazon’s warehouse in Dartford was blockaded by climate protesters in an attempt to disrupt the company's busiest day of the year.

The online retailer has also come under fire in the past over its impact on local businesses and allegations of poor pay and worker treatment.

However, during a KentOnline exclusive first look inside the £200m premises the warehouse manager refuted such claims and encouraged people to see take a tour and see for themselves.

The site manager pointed to the firm's competitive wages, comprehensive benefits package, and its offer to pre-pay 95% of tuition fees for recognised courses.

Last month, workers at the sorting centre near the Dartford Crossing featured in a promotional video for the company's UK social media page.

In a snappy 'this or that' Instagram reel, they shared a few of their shopping habits for Prime Day.