Dyson plans to layoff nearly 1,000 employees in the UK.
Dyson, the renowned British appliance giant known for its high-tech vacuum cleaners, is undergoing a major restructuring. This move will result in significant job cuts, with nearly 1,000 positions eliminated across the company’s UK workforce. This decision, announced on Tuesday, impacts over a quarter (around 1,000) of Dyson’s 3,500-strong UK workforce. Employees based in offices across Wiltshire, Bristol, and London will be affected by the restructuring.
Dyson, a company employing roughly 15,000 people worldwide, is streamlining operations to adapt to an increasingly competitive market landscape. CEO Hanno Kirner explained the reasoning behind the job cuts. “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.”
The decision comes as a surprise to some, considering Dyson’s recent financial performance. The company reported a record revenue of £7.1 billion ($9.1 billion) in 2023, surpassing the previous year’s £6.5 billion. However, Dyson faces mounting pressure from competitors, particularly in Asia.
While acknowledging the difficulty of the situation, Kirner emphasised support for affected employees. “Decisions which impact close and talented colleagues are always incredibly painful,” he stated. “Those whose roles are at risk of redundancy as a result of the proposals will be supported through the process.”
The extent of job cuts beyond the UK remains unclear. Dyson is conducting similar reviews on a country-by-country basis, making the total number of affected employees worldwide unknown at this time.
This news adds to the growing trend of tech industry layoffs in 2024. With Dyson facing a rapidly evolving market, the company hopes this restructuring will ensure its long-term success.