Protestors took to Cirencester on Wednesday alleging Amazon had profited from price gouging during the pandemic.

Members of Unite, the UK’s largest trade union, gathered at the Roman Amphitheatre accusing the retailer of abusing of its market position while vulnerable and older people depended on home deliveries.

Amazon denied price gouging and said it terminated the accounts of all sellers seeking to take advantage of the health crisis.

Sharon Graham, Unite executive officer for organising and leverage, said: “Amazon stands accused of profiting from price gouging on its website at the height of the pandemic when vulnerable people were most in need. It's time for Amazon to be held to account."

In a complaint to the the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Unite said consumers were being charged £26 for Carex hand wash rather than £1; a pack of 50 surgical masks normally sold for £36 were on sale for £170; and a Braun thermometer increased from £39.99 to £149.99.

A spokesperson for Amazon said: “There is no place for price gouging on Amazon. We worked with the CMA more than a year ago to stop attempts by some sellers to take advantage of the global health crisis.

“Our action at the time was clear and decisive - we removed the offers referenced in this complaint and terminated seller accounts. We continue to monitor our store 24/7 to remove offers that violate our policies.”

Unite campaigners continue to protest about what they say are poor working conditions and anti-trade union tactics at Amazon.

The union is calling on Amazon to sign up to a declaration of neutrality, which includes commitments that recognize workers’ rights to unionise.