Tejal Somvanshi
TB Outbreak at Amazon Coventry: Facts, Timeline & What Workers Need to Know
Understanding the outbreak, the response, and your rights
In January 2026, Amazon’s Coventry fulfillment center became the site of a confirmed tuberculosis (TB) outbreak. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the NHS began screening workers after a small number contracted contagious TB. While health authorities describe the overall risk as low, the incident has raised questions about workplace safety, employee rights, and the broader trend of rising TB cases across England. This guide breaks down what happened, the facts about TB, and what this means for workers and the public.
What Happened: Timeline of Events
Initial cases detected: A small number of workers at the Amazon Coventry warehouse were identified with active, contagious TB. The UKHSA began a targeted screening program in response to the findings.
Latent cases identified: Amazon reported that 10 workers tested positive for non-contagious (latent) TB. The company stated that no additional cases had been identified since September and that operations continued normally.
Public announcement: The GMB Union publicly called for the warehouse to close immediately. The union demanded workers be medically suspended on full pay and all staff sent home until infection control measures were in place. Your Party MP Zarah Sultana criticized Amazon’s decision not to close the site, calling it “outrageous.”
Expanded screening continues: An expanded TB screening program is underway with the NHS and UKHSA. Workers with potential close contact with affected individuals are being offered testing. The site continues operations while health authorities assess the situation.
📋 The Facts at a Glance
Cases confirmed: Amazon reported 10 workers tested positive for non-contagious (latent) TB; a small number had active (contagious) TB who are now responding to treatment.
Workforce size: The Coventry warehouse employs approximately 2,000 staff, according to media reports. The GMB Union has referenced around 3,000 staff at the site.
Current status: Affected workers are responding well to treatment and are no longer infectious, according to UKHSA statements.
Overall risk: Health authorities describe the risk to other workers and the public as low.
Treatment available: TB is fully treatable with antibiotics. Testing and treatment are free on the NHS, regardless of immigration status.
Understanding Tuberculosis
What is TB?
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs. It is preventable and curable with antibiotics, but can cause permanent lung damage if left untreated. According to the NHS, TB is caused by bacteria and spreads through close contact with people who have symptoms.
Active vs. Latent TB
Active TB: Contagious; causes symptoms and can spread to others. Latent TB: Person carries the bacteria but has no symptoms; cannot be spread to others but can develop into active TB without treatment.
How Does TB Spread?
TB spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks. It requires close contact and cannot be transmitted by touching, sharing food, or shaking hands.
TB Testing Methods
Screening typically uses blood tests (IGRA – Interferon-Gamma Release Assay) or skin tests. The NHS notes that blood tests are preferred for people who have received the BCG vaccine, as they avoid false positives.
Treatment Duration
Active TB: Standard treatment is at least 6 months using combination antibiotics. Latent TB: Treatment ranges from 3-9 months depending on the regimen, with newer short-course options of 3-4 months being recommended.
TB in the UK
In 2024, TB notifications rose by 13.6% to approximately 5,490 cases, according to UKHSA data. The notification rate reached 9.4 per 100,000 population—approaching the WHO threshold of 10 per 100,000 for a low-incidence country.
TB Symptoms: When to Seek Help
According to NHS guidance, active TB typically develops gradually. If you experience any of the following for more than three weeks, contact your GP or call NHS 111:
• A persistent cough lasting more than three weeks (may produce mucus or blood)
• Feeling tired or exhausted
• High temperature or night sweats
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling generally unwell
TB testing and treatment are free on the NHS for everyone, regardless of immigration status. You do not need to disclose your immigration status to access these services. Seeking treatment cannot affect your legal status in the UK. If you have concerns, contact Coventry City Council or the NHS for confidential guidance.
Your Rights as a Worker & Available Resources
Medical Suspension & Pay Rights
If you are suspended from work due to health and safety concerns (such as an outbreak), you are typically entitled to full pay for up to 26 weeks under UK employment law, according to ACAS guidance. The GMB Union has been advocating for this protection for all affected staff at the Coventry warehouse.
TB Testing & Treatment
Free and confidential: Testing and treatment are available free on the NHS, regardless of employment status or immigration status. If you work at the warehouse and have concerns, speak to your occupational health team or your GP.
Union Support
If you are a member of the GMB Union or another union, you have access to workplace representatives who can advise you on your rights, the screening process, and workplace concerns related to the outbreak.
Workplace Health & Safety
Amazon has stated it is working with the NHS and UKHSA on an expanded screening program. If you have concerns about infection control measures or workplace safety, you can report these to your employer or contact your local health and safety representative.
Local Support & Guidance
Coventry City Council has issued guidance on TB symptoms and the availability of free testing for all residents. Contact the council or your GP for information about local screening clinics.
TB in Context: Part of a National Health Trend
The outbreak at Amazon Coventry is not an isolated event. TB cases are rising across England, marking a public health trend that has prompted renewed attention to disease control and prevention. According to UKHSA reports, the 13.6% rise in TB notifications in 2024 reflects broader challenges in infection control and early detection.
Related respiratory disease outbreaks have also been reported. For instance, whooping cough cases in the US reached a decade-high in 2024, and Legionnaires disease outbreaks have affected specific regions. These trends underscore the importance of rapid response protocols and transparent communication during workplace health crises.
What This Means: A Summary
An outbreak of tuberculosis has been confirmed at the Amazon fulfillment center in Coventry, involving a small number of active cases and ten identified instances of latent infection. A screening program is being conducted by the UK Health Security Agency and the NHS to monitor the situation. Affected workers are responding well to treatment and are no longer infectious. While company representatives maintain that the site is safe and operations are continuing, calls have been made by the GMB Union and local representatives for a temporary closure and full-pay medical suspension for staff.
The incident coincides with a reported 13.6% increase in tuberculosis notifications across England in 2024, prompting renewed public health guidance regarding symptoms and the availability of free treatment. TB is preventable and curable when diagnosed early, and testing and treatment are available free on the NHS to everyone, regardless of employment or immigration status.
Workers with concerns about symptoms, testing, or workplace safety should contact their GP, call NHS 111, or reach out to union representatives and their employer’s occupational health department.
Key Sources & Resources
UKHSA | NHS TB Information | GMB Union Statement | Coventry City Council | ACAS Medical Suspension Guide
