{"id":707391,"date":"2026-01-19T23:32:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T23:32:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/707391\/"},"modified":"2026-01-19T23:32:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T23:32:13","slug":"worker-claims-coventry-amazon-tuberculosis-fears-were-dismissed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/707391\/","title":{"rendered":"Worker claims Coventry Amazon tuberculosis fears were &#8216;dismissed&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Cases of the serious bacterial infection were reported at Amazon BHX4 at Lyons Park<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_Amazon-Coventry.jpg\" alt=\"Cases were identified at Amazon BHX4 at Lyons Park\" loading=\"eager\"  \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Cases were identified at Amazon BHX4 at Lyons Park\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Cases were identified at Amazon BHX4 at Lyons Park(Image: CoventryLive)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Concerns over a tuberculosis outbreak at a <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/all-about\/coventry\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"CoventryLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Coventry<\/a> Amazon facility were reportedly ignored, it has been claimed. Cases of the serious bacterial infection have recently been identified at Lyons Park.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Ten individuals were found to have non-contagious TB, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) initiated a screening programme in September 2025. <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/all-about\/amazon\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"AmazonLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Amazon<\/a> said no new cases have been identified and operations remain unaffected.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Union GMB called for all staff to be sent home and medically suspended on full pay &#8216;until appropriate infection control measures are implemented.&#8217; But <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/all-about\/amazon\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"AmazonLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Amazon<\/a> said it is following <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/all-about\/nhs\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"NHSLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">NHS<\/a> and UKHSA guidelines and taking recommended precautions, as previously reported by <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/news\/coventry-news\/amazon-statement-full-after-union-33248841\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"CoventryLiveLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">CoventryLive<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/news\/coventry-news\/more-6k-raised-memory-coventry-33254767\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"More than \u00a36k raised in memory of Coventry barmaid who died at just 34Link opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">More than \u00a36k raised in memory of Coventry barmaid who died at just 34<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/news\/coventry-news\/coventry-traitors-star-reveals-mum-33184158\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Coventry Traitors star reveals mum and sister died in &#039;murder-suicide&#039;Link opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Coventry Traitors star reveals mum and sister died in &#8216;murder-suicide&#8217;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Some 2,000 people are employed at <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/all-about\/amazon\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Amazon BHX4Link opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Amazon BHX4<\/a> on Sayer Drive. One told <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"CoventryLiveLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">CoventryLive<\/a> that the way information had been shared was &#8216;troubling.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He said: \u201cWhile TB is a serious infectious disease that understandably causes concern, the way this situation was communicated to employees was troubling. Internal guidance given to managers focused heavily on talking points, instructing them on what to say to staff rather than encouraging openness, transparency, or meaningful reassurance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cWorkers were repeatedly told that the risk was &#8216;low&#8217; while being given minimal information and little opportunity to ask questions or express concerns without fear. For a disease like TB, which carries long-term health implications and stigma, this approach feels dismissive.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cEmployees are not just numbers or operational resources, they are human beings with families, health worries, and a right to clear and timely information when their wellbeing may be affected. Serious illnesses in the workplace should be handled with honesty and compassion, not carefully managed scripts.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">A spokesman for <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/all-about\/amazon\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"AmazonLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Amazon<\/a> said: \u201cNothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of our team members. Last year, ten people who work at our <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/all-about\/coventry\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"CoventryLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Coventry<\/a> fulfilment centre tested positive for non-contagious TB.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cIn line with best practice safety procedures, we immediately followed guidance from the <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/all-about\/nhs\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"NHSLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">NHS<\/a> and UK Health Security Agency 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 <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/all-about\/nhs\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"NHSLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">NHS<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Dr Roger Gajraj, from the UK Health Security Agency West Midlands, said: \u201cThe small number of individuals affected by tuberculosis (TB) are responding well to treatment and are no longer infectious, so pose no onward risk.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;TB is fully treatable with antibiotics. We continue to work closely with Amazon to monitor the situation.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">But <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/all-about\/coventry\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"CoventryLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Coventry<\/a> MP <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/all-about\/taiwo-owatemi-mp\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Taiwo OwatemiLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Taiwo Owatemi<\/a> highlighted the importance of employers prioritising staff wellbeing. She said: \u201cWhile it has been stated that <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/all-about\/nhs\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"NHSLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">NHS<\/a> guidance is being followed, this situation understandably raises serious questions about workplace safety and infection control.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201c<a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/all-about\/amazon\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"AmazonLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Amazon<\/a> has a clear responsibility to look after its employees and to ensure that the working environment is safe, transparent, and responsive to legitimate health concerns. Workers should never feel that productivity is being prioritised over their health.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cEmployees deserve reassurance, clear communication, and confidence that their employer is acting in their best interests. I will continue to monitor this situation closely and expect <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/all-about\/amazon\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"AmazonLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Amazon<\/a> to work constructively with the <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/all-about\/nhs\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"NHSLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">NHS<\/a>, public health authorities, and GMB to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to safeguard workers.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Sign up for our FREE daily newsletter <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/newsletter-preference-centre\/?view=Solus&amp;mailingListId=fffe7199-5468-480c-800a-7d7d35e960da&amp;utm_source=solusarticle\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"hereLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">here<\/a> for all the latest news about <\/strong><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coventrytelegraph.net\/all-about\/coventry\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"CoventryLink opens in a new tab.\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\">Coventry<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cases of the serious bacterial infection were reported at Amazon BHX4 at Lyons Park Cases were identified at&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":707392,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[324,26190,105,35495,211,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-707391","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-health","8":"tag-amazon","9":"tag-coventry","10":"tag-health","11":"tag-health-and-safety","12":"tag-nhs","13":"tag-uk","14":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115924378950608088","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/707391","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=707391"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/707391\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/707392"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=707391"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=707391"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=707391"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}