Amazon is testing workers at its Coventry warehouse for tuberculosis after an outbreak of the lung disease. A small number of employees contracted contagious TB last year, prompting the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to launch a screening programme in September.
Amazon confirmed that 10 people at the site, which employs about 2,000 according to the GMB union, tested positive for latent TB late last year. Latent TB is non-contagious but can become active if untreated. Dr Roger Gajraj of UKHSA said affected individuals were responding well to treatment and posed no onward risk.
Amazon stated it followed NHS and UKHSA guidance, making employees aware and running an expanded screening programme. A spokesperson emphasised that safety and wellbeing are the top priority. However, the GMB union called for temporary closure of the warehouse until infection control measures are implemented.
One worker raised concerns about migrant workers who may not have been vaccinated. Coventry City Council reminded residents that TB testing and treatment are free on the NHS regardless of immigration status. Nationally, TB notifications rose 13.6% in 2024 to 5,490 cases.
