Full Breakdown
Tuberculosis Outbreak at Amazon's Coventry Warehouse Raises Health Concerns
1/20/2026, 9:26:59 PM
Overview of the Outbreak
In September 2025, Amazon confirmed that ten employees at its Coventry warehouse tested positive for non-contagious tuberculosis (TB), sparking significant health concerns and calls for the facility's closure. The affected individuals have since responded well to treatment and are no longer infectious, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Despite this, the GMB union, representing many of the workers, has urged for immediate action, including the temporary closure of the warehouse until adequate infection control measures are implemented.
Health and Safety Measures
Amazon has stated that it is following guidance from the NHS and UKHSA, implementing an expanded screening program for employees as a precautionary measure. The company emphasized that no new cases have been reported since the initial diagnoses and that operations at the warehouse, which employs approximately 3,000 staff, continue as normal. Dr. Roger Gajraj from UKHSA confirmed that the risk to the public remains low, as the affected individuals are no longer infectious.
Union Response and Criticism
The GMB union has expressed serious concerns regarding workplace safety, arguing that Amazon's response has been inadequate. Amanda Gearing, a senior organiser with the union, stated, “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 called for all staff to be medically suspended on full pay until the health crisis is resolved, warning that the Coventry site could become the epicenter of a mass TB outbreak.
Rising TB Rates in the UK
The outbreak at Amazon's Coventry warehouse occurs amid a national increase in TB cases. In 2024, the UK reported 5,490 TB notifications, a 13.6% increase from the previous year. This rise has raised alarms about the potential loss of England's "low-incidence" status for TB, which has been in place since 2017. The Coventry area itself has seen a notification rate nearly double the WHO's low-incidence threshold, highlighting the need for vigilance in managing public health risks.
Official Statements
Amazon has reiterated its commitment to employee safety, stating, “Nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of our team members.” The company has assured that it is cooperating with health authorities and has informed all potentially affected employees about the situation. Local MP Taiwo Owatemi has also emphasized the importance of prioritizing worker safety, urging Amazon to ensure a transparent and responsive approach to health concerns.
Conclusion
The tuberculosis outbreak at Amazon's Coventry warehouse has raised significant public health concerns, prompting scrutiny of the company's handling of workplace safety. As health officials continue to monitor the situation, the GMB union's calls for stricter measures highlight the ongoing challenges in managing infectious diseases in high-density work environments. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust health protocols and corporate responsibility in safeguarding employee wellbeing.
