A leading union will stage protests outside sites run by online shopping giant Amazon today in a row over workers' pay and conditions.

The GMB claimed the firm was denying staff the right to union representation and collective bargaining.

The protests will be held outside several sites, including Glenrothes, Slough, Swansea, and Doncaster.

National officer Paul Clarke said: "Where Amazon differs from other retailers is its refusal to pay proper taxes and its treatment of workers."

Amazon said: "We are proud of providing our associates with a safe and positive working environment, which includes on-the-job training and opportunities for career progression.

"We offer a competitive package which includes base wage and performance-related pay which increases take home pay for most employees. With a focus placed on ownership, permanent employees also benefit from stock grants, healthcare, a personal pension plan, life assurance, income protection and an employee discount."

Amazon said it employs more than 5,000 permanent employees across the UK as well as thousands of temporary staff, adding it paid "all applicable taxes in every jurisdiction that it operates within".