Dyson settles forced labour suit in landmark UK case

Electronics appliance maker Dyson has agreed to settle a lawsuit filed against it by 24 migrant workers, who alleged they were subjected to forced and abusive treatment in a Malaysian factory making the firm's parts.

The workers, from Nepal and Bangladesh, sued the firm in 2022 and described being subject to what amounted to modern day slavery.

Dyson has denied any liability. When the case was brought it said it had been previously unaware of the alleged abuses, and the Malaysia supplier should be held responsible instead.

The case is significant for establishing the precedent that allegations against foreign companies supplying British manufacturers can be judged in an English court.

The workers described being threatened and beaten, having their passports withheld, and being forced to work long hours in unsanitary conditions.

According to their lawyers, from Leigh Day, they were denied toilet breaks and forced to work "upwards of 12 hours at a time without relieving themselves".

Under the terms of the settlement the details of any compensation to the workers are not being disclosed.

In separate but almost identical statements posted on their websites, Dyson and Leigh Day said the resolution was reached "in recognition of the expenses of litigation and the benefits of settlement".

They both also said the settlement was not an admission of liability on Dyson's part.

The company had earlier argued that the case should be heard in Malaysia, not Britain.

But the Supreme Court agreed that the trial could take place in an English court, setting a precedent that British companies can be held to account in the UK for actions taken by suppliers in another country.

Labour activists have for many years drawn attention to the problem of abuses of the large migrant worker population in Malaysia.

Dyson, popular for its line of premium hair dryers and home appliances, moved its manufacturing from the UK to Malaysia in 2002.

The Airwrap maker moved its headquarters to Singapore in 2019.