Amazon is carrying out tuberculosis (TB) testing at its Coventry fulfilment centre after a small number of workers were diagnosed with the infectious lung disease. The site, which employs around 2,000 people, has been under scrutiny since several cases were identified last year.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) began a targeted screening programme in September after a handful of employees were found to have active TB. Amazon later reported that 10 further workers tested positive for latent TB towards the end of 2025. Latent TB means the bacteria are present in the body without causing symptoms and cannot be transmitted, though it can develop into an active form if untreated.
Dr Roger Gajraj, consultant in health protection at UKHSA, said the individuals with active TB are responding well to treatment and are no longer infectious. “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. TB is fully treatable with antibiotics, and we continue to work closely with Amazon to monitor the situation,” he said.
Amazon said it acted immediately after the initial cases were discovered. A company spokesperson said: “We followed guidance from the NHS and UKHSA and made all potentially affected employees aware of the situation. Out of an abundance of caution, we are now running an expanded screening programme with the NHS. Nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of our team members.”
The GMB union has called for stronger action, urging “immediate and decisive measures,” including a temporary closure of the warehouse until infection control procedures are fully in place. Amanda Gearing, a senior organiser at the Coventry site, said NHS staff have been attending the warehouse this week to carry out blood tests, noting concerns that some migrant workers may be more vulnerable if they did not receive TB vaccinations in their countries of origin.
Coventry City Council said residents should remain alert to TB symptoms amid a wider national rise in cases. “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,” a council spokesperson said.
Symptoms of TB include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. The disease spreads through prolonged close contact with someone who has active TB.
Government figures published in October showed TB notifications rose by 13.6 per cent in 2024 to 5,490 cases, bringing the UK close to the World Health Organization’s threshold for a low-incidence country.
The Coventry fulfilment centre has previously been a site of industrial unrest, with Amazon narrowly defeating a union recognition vote at the warehouse in 2024.
