Health alert over water dispensers at Inland Revenue offices

One
of the largest Government employers in the North of England has issued health
warnings to staff after a deadly bacteria was found in drinking water.

The
Inland Revenue offices in Newcastle-upon-Tyne had to close two water dispensers
after traces of the Legionella bacteria – which can cause Legionnaires’ disease
– were found.

Managers
at the organisation, which employs more than 9,000 staff, first told employees
not to use the kitchens and then used the public address system to confirm that
Legionella had been discovered.

Bosses
at the Inland Revenue have insisted that no staff are at risk and said the HSE
would be visiting the site later today.

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The
Journal newspaper claimed the bug was identified during routine tests on
chillier units at the Inland Revenue’s Longbenton offices.

By Ross Wigham