Amazon fills 100,000 jobs, will add 75,000 more

Amazon said Monday it had filled the 100,000 US jobs it promised a month ago to meet demands from the coronavirus outbreak, and was ready to take on 75,000 more.

The announcement by the technology and retail colossus highlighted surging demand for online commerce with the pandemic forcing people to shelter in place.

Amazon’s hiring spree, which is being mirrored by other firms in food and retail sectors, comes amid news that US unemployment claims surged by some 17 million over the past month.

“Today, we are proud to announce that our original 100,000 jobs pledge is filled and those new employees are working at sites across the US helping to serve customers,” Amazon said in a blog post.