ZORK

Amazon has started releasing some sellers' funds back to them after many UK and EU sellers complained of money being held unexpectedly.

The change in policy comes after the BBC reported Amazon's actions led some businesses being close to collapse.

Amazon told some sellers it will now delay the temporary holds on money until January 2024.

But one ink seller, Daniel Moore, who had £230,000 frozen, said Amazon were only "delaying our anguish".

Amazon wrote in an email to one seller in the early hours of Saturday: "We understand that the transition to this policy on 3 August has caused a one-time cash-flow issue for your business. To support you in preparing for the policy change, we have extended your policy transition until 31 January 2024".

Amazon's initial policy update sent in May stated it would temporarily hold seller funds to cover customer refund demands. It said sellers would be able to withdraw their money only from the delivery date plus a further seven days.

The policy was implemented on 3 August across the UK and EU for sellers registered before August 2016.

But Amazon's email about the change was not seen by many EU and UK sellers, and in many cases was automatically sent to their junk folder.

The change comes at a time businesses are struggling with the soaring costs of living and increases in energy bills, materials and operating costs.