Legionella at IBM Warwick keeps staff off work

BBC News 6 June 2011 Last updated at 15:02 GMT

Legionella bacteria have been found in the water (picture)

Staff at computer giant IBM have remained at home after traces of legionella were discovered last week.

Workers went home on Thursday after traces of the bacterium, which can lead to Legionnaires' disease, were found at IBM's Opus 40 site in Warwick.

The decontamination process began on Friday when tests took place and the results may be known by the end of this week, Warwick District Council said.

There have been no reports of illness after bacteria was found in water.

Staff would not be returning to the site until the system has been fully decontaminated, the council said.

A spokeswoman added when there is confirmation of decontamination, a council team would go in and carry out tests.

A spokesman for IBM said: "In accordance with guidance from local environmental health authorities, IBM has temporarily reduced staffing levels at its Warwick site.

"Client service remains unaffected. Remedial actions in place are being undertaken by the site landlord and the managing agents."

In a statement, the council has said the environmental health department would continue to liaise with companies involved, and with other public health agencies, "to ensure that effective remedial measures are implemented".