Amazon Rugeley worker in quarantine after testing positive for Covid-19
A worker at Amazon's huge warehouse in Rugeley has tested positive for coronavirus.
A spokesman for the online retail giant confirmed there had been one case of coronavirus and said: “We are supporting the individual who is currently in quarantine.”
Around 1,500 people are employed at the 750,000 sq ft Rugeley fulfilment centre, which is opposite the former power station next to the A51.
Previously, the company has said it will give employees diagnosed with Covid-19 up to two weeks of pay and has set up a fund for the contractors it uses for delivery and seasonal work.
Last month it was announced Amazon warehouse staff and delivery drivers will get a £2-an-hour pay rise in recognition for their work during the coronavirus lockdown.
The GMB Union has previously said the company's fulfilment centres are “breeding grounds for coronavirus” but Amazon said that the union was not able to substantiate its claim.
Since the start of the coronavirus crisis Amazon has hired 175,000 people in its fulfilment and delivery network and nearly doubled the Whole Foods stores that offer pick-up services.
It has also launched a publicity drive to emphasise steps it takes to keep its staff safe from coronavirus.
UK boss Doug Gurr wrote to customers explaining that it has upgraded its warehouses to meet government standards on social distancing.
The letter came as Amazon faced battles at its French operations, which are closed after a court ruled the company must only sell essential products, while staff have staged protests over virus safety fears in warehouses.
