Reports emerged on Tuesday (Oct 1) of Dyson conducting a round of layoffs in Singapore, resulting in a state of “low morale” among employees. Notably, this move comes about three months after the technology firm suggested that Singapore would not be directly impacted by a global restructuring involving approximately 1,000 job cuts in Britain.
An anonymous employee who was laid off described the retrenchment as a discreet exercise, where impacted individuals received an email informing them of a “one-on-one” meeting. The employee stated, “The HR representative will be in the room. Unfortunately, reason given (was) the job is redundant, and we need to pack our things and prepare to leave.” This sudden event left employees uncertain about their future in the company, with one stating, “People are shocked and have low morale, as they aren’t sure when their turn might come.”
Another employee suggested that at least 12 people from various teams, such as research and development (R&D), were let go. The atmosphere at the office reportedly turned solemn as workers saw their colleagues leaving abruptly. Concerns were also raised about the possibility of further layoffs in the coming weeks, with one employee expressing, “If they were to repeat the same, maybe next week, there will be another one?”
When asked for a response, a Dyson spokesperson stated, “We constantly evolve the composition of our teams and take steps to ensure we have the right skills in the right places. Our ambitions in Singapore remain unchanged, and we anticipate that we will continue to grow here in the medium term.”
The United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries (UWEEI) expressed disappointment at the short notice given for the retrenchment exercise, and highlighted its commitment to support affected workers with job searches and job training. Dyson was reported to have informed UWEEI in advance and is following guidelines from the Ministry of Manpower, providing employees with necessary support.
Dyson, established in Singapore since 2007, has maintained a significant presence in the country, serving as a hub for research, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain operations. The company had announced plans to invest S$1.5 billion in its Singapore operations over the next four years and to hire more than 250 engineers and scientists across various fields. As of end-2023, Dyson employed more than 1,920 people in Singapore.
In response to UWEEI’s statement, Dyson informed CNA that it had “respectfully informed UWEEI in advance,” and assured employees of support through employment assistance programs and counseling services.
