Amazon is currently undertaking tuberculosis (TB) testing for employees at its Coventry warehouse following an outbreak of the disease. This initiative comes after several workers were diagnosed with contagious TB last year, which prompted the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to implement a screening program beginning in September.
According to reports, ten workers at the Coventry site, which employs roughly 2,000 people, have tested positive for the latent form of TB, a non-contagious variant that can remain dormant in the body without causing illness or symptoms. Dr. Roger Gajraj, a consultant in health protection at UKHSA, reassured that the individuals identified are responding well to treatment and are no longer infectious, presenting no ongoing risk to others. He highlighted that, as a preventive measure, testing is being offered to those who might have had close contact with the affected individuals, noting that the overall risk of transmission remains low.
In addressing the situation, Amazon confirmed that it has adhered to the guidelines set forth by the NHS and UKHSA, ensuring that all potentially affected employees were informed promptly. The company is collaborating closely with the NHS to conduct an expanded screening program.
Amanda Gearing, a senior organizer for the GMB union, has called for immediate action, suggesting the temporary closure of the Amazon Coventry warehouse until effective infection control measures are in place. Multiple cases of tuberculosis have reportedly surfaced at the facility, necessitating on-site blood testing by NHS staff this week.
Concerns have been raised among workers regarding the vulnerability of the predominantly migrant workforce, many of whom may lack vaccinations from their countries of origin. The hallmark symptoms of TB include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. The disease can be transmitted through close contact with those exhibiting symptoms, which makes awareness and early detection crucial.
In light of increasing TB cases nationally, a spokesperson for Coventry city council has urged residents to be aware of the symptoms and encouraged anyone experiencing them to seek free testing and treatment from the NHS, regardless of immigration status. The rising number of notified TB cases in the UK reached 5,490 in 2024, reflecting a 13.6% increase compared to the previous year. The infection rate has now approached the World Health Organization’s threshold of a low incidence country, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in public health efforts.
The Coventry warehouse also has a history of industrial actions, notably narrowly losing a recognition vote in 2024, indicating ongoing tensions within the workforce alongside the current health concerns. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of worker health and safety in large industrial settings.