A NORTH EAST warehouse is still looking for applicants – with bosses extending the deadline to receive a £1,000 bonus by a further two weeks.

Amazon has extended its deadline on those applying for a role at its new ‘NCL1’ site on the Follingsby Max development in Gateshead to Saturday, October 2.

The online retailer, which also offered the bonus at its Durham and Darlington Fulfilment Centres, said those who apply will still need to start the role by next Saturday.

Read more: Amazon confirm £1k bonus for new starters will now INCLUDE Darlington - how to apply

Amazon had previously said employees were needed to help keep up with summer demand and to allow it to prepare for a busy festive season.

The Northern Echo: The warehouse in Gateshead Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe warehouse in Gateshead Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Updated job adverts over the weekend showed how the retailer had changed the deadline for those applying to work in Gateshead from Saturday, September 18.

In the adverts, it said workers are needed to help pick, pack and dispatch orders to customers, with pay starting at £10 an hour.

However, the deadline for workers to apply for roles in Durham and Darlington did not appear to reflect the new date.

It is understood Amazon keeps the level of payments offered at different sites "under review."

A spokesperson for Amazon said: “We are currently offering a sign-on bonus at a number of locations to attract new permanent and seasonal associates.”

According to the advert, a mix of temporary and fixed-term contracts are being offered by the online retailer which carry the £1,000 bonus.

The spokesperson for Amazon previously said: “To support our summer demand and help us prepare for the festive season ahead, we are currently offering at our Darlington site an attendance bonus to permanent associates and a sign-on bonus to attract new permanent and seasonal associates.”

The Northern Echo previously revealed how Amazon was set to pay its workers in Durham and Gateshead an additional £50 for turning up every shift, and on time.

Read more: Amazon to pay Gateshead and Durham workers £50 bonus a week

Amazon said the bonus would be paid weekly and based on 100 percent attendance for all scheduled shifts, excluding any absences under the Equality Act and relating to Covid.

Amazon is not the only firm offering joining bonuses to attract much-needed workers, with firms such as Tesco and Asda offering lorry drivers £1,000 on sign up.

In recent months, firms across the UK have struggled amid a mounting hiring crisis with a shortage of HGV drivers, and hospitality seeing issues with recruitment after lockdown.

To apply or to see the roles available in the North East  - click here 

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