Amazon is conducting tuberculosis (TB) screening for employees at its major fulfilment centre in Coventry, following the identification of several cases of the infectious lung disease at the site.
Details of the Tuberculosis Cases and Response
The situation came to light after a handful of workers from the Coventry warehouse were found to have contagious TB last year. This prompted the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to initiate a screening programme in September 2023 as a precautionary measure.
Amazon has confirmed that, following this screening, 10 people at the site tested positive for latent TB in the latter part of last year. Latent TB means the bacteria are present in the body but the individual is not ill or contagious; however, it can develop into active TB if not treated.
Dr Roger Gajraj, a consultant in health protection with UKHSA, stated that a small number of individuals with active TB at the site were "responding well to treatment and are no longer infectious". He emphasised that the overall risk to the wider workforce and public remains low.
Union Calls for Action and Worker Concerns
The GMB union, which represents workers at the facility, has called for more decisive action. Senior organiser Amanda Gearing demanded the temporary closure of the Amazon Coventry warehouse until appropriate infection control measures are fully implemented to prevent further spread.
The union has reported that multiple TB cases have been identified, with NHS staff attending the site this week to perform blood tests. One worker expressed concerns that the high proportion of migrant staff could increase vulnerability, as some may not have received TB vaccinations in their country of origin.
An Amazon spokesperson said: "Nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of our team members." The company stated it immediately followed NHS and UKHSA guidance, briefing the entire site and now running an expanded screening programme "out of an abundance of caution".
National Context and Public Health Advice
This incident occurs against a backdrop of rising TB cases across England. A government report from October revealed that notifications of the disease increased by 13.6% in 2024 to 5,490 people. The rate of 9.4 cases per 100,000 people is nearing the World Health Organization's threshold for a 'low incidence' country.
Coventry City Council urged all residents to be aware of TB symptoms, which include:
- A persistent cough lasting more than three weeks.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- High temperature and night sweats.
- Extreme tiredness.
A council spokesperson stressed that TB testing and treatment is free for everyone on the NHS, regardless of immigration status, and anyone with symptoms should contact their GP or NHS 111.
The Coventry warehouse, which employs around 2,000 people, has been a focal point for industrial relations, with Amazon narrowly defeating a union recognition vote there in 2024.
