Malaysia: Dyson faces claims from former workers over dangerous conditions at its biggest supplier

Ten former workers from Dyson’s biggest parts supplier, Malaysian firm ATA IMS, are claiming compensation from the home appliance maker over poor working and living conditions at ATA factories, a law firm representing them said.

The ex-employees allege that “Dyson was unjustly enriched as a result of the unlawful, exploitative and dangerous conditions at the factory”, British law firm Leigh Day said in a statement.

A Dyson spokesperson told Reuters: “These allegations relate to employees of ATA, not Dyson. If proceedings were to be issued we would robustly defend them.” The company said it takes its responsibilities towards workers employed by its third-party suppliers “extremely seriously”.

ATA, which makes parts for Dyson’s vacuum cleaners and air purifiers, did not have an immediate comment on the claim.

Dyson said in November it was severing relations with ATA, and ending its contract within six months, after an independent audit of the company’s labour practices and accusations by a whistle-blower. Dyson has not disclosed the findings of its audit.

Leigh Day has sent a “letter before action” to Singapore-headquartered Dyson on behalf of the workers and named four company units as the defendants in the claim, it said. The letter is a notice that legal proceedings could be initiated.

“In the letter before action, sent by law firm Leigh Day on behalf of the workers, Dyson is asked to pay compensation to the workers. If a settlement cannot be reached the case will progress to the High Court,” Leigh Day said in the statement.