Dyson, the vacuum cleaner and air filter manufacturer, is set to cut approximately 1,000 jobs in the UK, reducing its British workforce by over a quarter. The announcement was made on Tuesday morning as part of a broader cost-cutting initiative aimed at trimming the company’s global workforce of 15,000 employees.
Currently, Dyson employs 3,500 people in the UK, with offices located in Wiltshire, Bristol, and London. The job cuts coincide with a new business and trade strategy outlined by Secretary John Reynolds, who hosted a call with 170 business leaders to discuss his priorities.
Dyson’s largest market is in Asia, where it faces stiff competition from local manufacturers who often launch similar products shortly after Dyson’s releases. Chief Executive Hanno Kirner emphasized the need for Dyson to remain “entrepreneurial and agile” in an increasingly competitive global market. “We have grown quickly and, like all companies, we review our global structures from time to time to ensure we are prepared for the future,” Kirner said, acknowledging that cutting jobs was “always incredibly painful.”
The company’s pro-Brexit founder, Sir James Dyson, relocated its corporate headquarters to Singapore in 2019 to better align with its supply chains and customer base in Asia. Dyson, best known for its invention of the bag-less vacuum cleaner, had previously cut 600 UK jobs during the coronavirus pandemic, citing changes in consumer purchasing behavior.
The decision to restructure was reportedly made prior to the recent general election call. Sir James Dyson has been critical of the UK government’s economic policies, describing them as “stupid” and “short-sighted” during Rishi Sunak’s tenure as Prime Minister. Despite his criticisms, Dyson continues to invest in the UK, donating £6 million to fund a Malmesbury Primary School and announcing plans to invest £100 million in a new research and development hub in central Bristol.
The company has committed to supporting those at risk of redundancy during this process. “Decisions which impact close and talented colleagues are always incredibly painful,” Kirner stated. “Those whose roles are at risk of redundancy as a result of the proposals will be supported through the process,” he said.
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