High Court rules forced labour claims against Dyson will go to trial in 2027

"As part of the ruling, the High Court ordered Dyson to disclose a series of documents previously referenced in now-discontinued defamation proceedings brought by Dyson against Channel 4 News and ITN over reporting on alleged labour abuses. The documents to be disclosed include internal meeting minutes between Dyson and ATA in 2021, audit reports carried out between 2019 and 2021, correspondence from Dyson's chief legal officer, and records relating to requests for workers to work on rest days to increase production volumes."

"In a judgment handed down today, following a case management conference in December 2025, the court confirmed that allegations brought by 24 former migrant workers will be tested through the cases of six lead claimants. The trial will focus on working and living conditions at Malaysian factories within Dyson's electronics supply chain and will determine whether Dyson companies are legally liable for the alleged abuses."

"Any compensation and the claims of the remaining workers will be dealt with in a separate, follow-up hearing if liability is established. The claimants, represented by law firm Leigh Day, allege that while employed by Malaysian suppliers ATA Industrial (M) Sdn Bhd and Jabco Filter System Sdn Bhd, they were subjected to forced labour practices and false imprisonment while producing components for Dyson's supply chain."

The High Court ruled forced labour, modern slavery and exploitation claims against Dyson will proceed to a full trial in April 2027. Twenty-four former migrant workers' allegations will be tested through six lead claimants, focusing on working and living conditions at Malaysian factories and on Dyson companies' legal liability. Compensation and remaining claims will be dealt with separately if liability is established. The court ordered disclosure of internal meeting minutes with ATA (2021), audit reports (2019–2021), correspondence from the chief legal officer, and records of requests for workers to work on rest days. The judge stressed claimants' vulnerability and urged cooperation and realism.

Read at Business Matters