Amazon is testing workers at its Coventry warehouse in the UK for tuberculosis after a cluster of cases triggered alarm among staff, the UK Health Security Agency, and union representatives.
The situation has escalated into a workplace health controversy that’s raising questions about worker safety, infection control and corporate responsibility, per BBC News.
Amazon Confirms Tuberculosis Outbreak
Amazon confirmed that a “handful of workers” at the site were found to have contracted tuberculosis, prompting an expanded screening programme that began in September.
According to the GMB union, the warehouse employs about 2,000 people and has seen multiple TB cases.
The company says that 10 people at the site had tested positive for non-contagious TB — also known as latent TB — late last year and that all potentially affected employees were informed immediately.
A company spokesperson said: “In line with best practice safety procedures, we immediately followed guidance from the NHS and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and made all potentially affected employees aware of the situation. Out of an abundance of caution, we are currently running an expanded screening programme with the NHS.”
Another Amazon representative added: “Nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of our team members.”
What Is Latent vs. Contagious TB?
While latent TB cannot be spread to others, it can potentially develop into active, contagious tuberculosis if untreated. Amazon’s testing push with NHS support aims to catch cases early and prevent further transmission.
As reported by The Guardian, Dr Roger Gajraj, a consultant in health protection with UKHSA West Midlands, addressed concerns about workplace risk: “The small number of individuals affected by tuberculosis are responding well to treatment and are no longer infectious, so pose no onward risk.”
He reiterated that precautions are being taken: “As a precaution, and in line with national guidance, we are offering testing to those who may have had closer contact with the affected individuals. The overall risk remains low.”
Dr Gajraj added: “TB is fully treatable with antibiotics. We continue to work closely with Amazon to monitor the situation.”
Union Demands Closure and Worker Protections
The GMB union — representing warehouse staff — has blasted Amazon’s handling of the outbreak, warning that the situation could spiral without immediate action. Its senior organiser, Amanda Gearing, is calling for drastic measures.
Gearing said: “Amazon is putting all workers, site visitors, and the local and wider communities at risk of exposure to a serious infectious disease.”
The union has written to Amazon leadership demanding that staff be medically suspended on full pay while the situation is assessed, and that the site be temporarily shut down.
Gearing warned: “Coventry Amazon risks becoming the engine room of a mass TB outbreak of a scale not seen for decades. Immediate and decisive action — including the temporary closure of Amazon Coventry — is required to prevent this.”
One worker expressed worry that the high number of migrant employees — many of whom may not have received TB vaccinations in their home countries — could increase vulnerability.
NHS staff have reportedly been on site performing blood tests on employees as part of the screening efforts.
Public Health Officials Advise Awareness
Coventry city council has weighed in, urging residents to stay alert for TB symptoms. A spokesperson said: “We encourage all residents to be aware of the symptoms of tuberculosis following a rise in cases across the country.
"Our advice to people is that TB testing and treatment is free to everyone on the NHS, regardless of immigration status. Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their GP or NHS 111 without delay.”
Rising TB Rates Across the UK
The Coventry outbreak comes amid wider national increases in TB. Government figures show that in 2024 the number of TB notifications climbed by 13.6% to 5,490 people.
At a rate of 9.4 per 100,000 population, the UK today sits just below the World Health Organization’s threshold of 10 per 100,000 for a low-incidence country — and the trend is upward.
Know the Symptoms
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that typically affects the lungs. Common symptoms include:
- A cough that lasts more than three weeks
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- High temperature
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
Employees and residents are being urged to take symptoms seriously and seek NHS care if they occur.