Amazon is testing for tuberculosis (TB) at its Coventry fulfillment center after a small number of workers were diagnosed with the contagious lung disease.
The company confirmed that the inspection was carried out as a precautionary measure, following the identification of several incidents in the area, which employs around 2,000 people, according to the GMB organisation.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) began a targeted testing program at the warehouse in September after a number of workers tested positive for live, contagious TB last year. Amazon said another 10 workers tested positive for TB in late 2025.
Active TB means that the bacteria are present in the body but the person has no symptoms and cannot spread the disease. However, without treatment, acute TB may develop into an active and infectious form.
Dr Roger Gajraj, a health security adviser at the UK Health Security Agency, said people diagnosed with active TB are responding well to treatment and are no longer infectious.
“As a precaution, and in line with national guidance, we are providing testing to those who may have been in close contact with those affected,” he said. “The overall risk remains low. TB is fully curable with antibiotics, and we continue to work closely with the Amazon to monitor the situation.”
Amazon said it took immediate action after the first cases were discovered. A spokesperson said: “We have followed guidance from the NHS and UKHSA and are making all potentially affected staff aware of the situation. Out of an abundance of caution, we are now carrying out an expanded testing program with the NHS. Nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of our team members.”
However, the GMB union has asked that the measures be strengthened. Amanda Gearing, the union’s chief campaigner at the Coventry site, called for “immediate and decisive action”, including the temporary closure of the warehouse until infection control measures are in place.
The union said NHS staff visited the site this week to test the blood of staff and that many cases had been reported. One worker told union representatives that there was concern that some migrant workers could be at greater risk if they had not received TB vaccinations in their countries of origin.
Coventry City Council said it is encouraging residents to be aware of the symptoms amid a widespread increase in TB numbers across the country. A council spokesman said: “TB testing and treatment is free for everyone using the NHS, regardless of whether you are from another country. Anyone with symptoms should contact their doctor or NHS 111 without delay.”
Common symptoms of tuberculosis include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, fatigue, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. The disease is spread through prolonged contact with a person who has active TB.
According to government data published in October, TB notifications are set to rise by 13.6 per cent in 2024 to 5,490 cases, bringing the UK closer to the World Health Organisation’s threshold for a country with a low incidence.
The Coventry warehouse has previously been at the center of industrial disputes, with Amazon narrowly defeating a vote for union recognition at the site in 2024.
