1-10-2024 (SINGAPORE) Technology giant Dyson has conducted a round of layoffs at its Singapore office, leaving employees stunned and morale at a low ebb. The move, which occurred on Tuesday, has raised eyebrows given the company’s recent assurances of continued investment and growth in the city-state.
The retrenchment exercise, described by affected employees as “very discreet”, saw staff from various departments, including manufacturing, procurement, and research and development, being called into one-on-one meetings with HR representatives. Those impacted were informed that their positions had become redundant and were asked to pack their belongings and leave promptly.
One anonymous employee recounted the surreal atmosphere in the office: “Suddenly, people are taking their bags. I thought they were going out to other offices for meetings, but they were actually leaving. The office atmosphere has been solemn all day.”
The layoffs come as a particular shock given Dyson’s announcement just three months ago that Singapore, which serves as its global headquarters, would not be directly impacted by a global restructuring that involved about 1,000 job cuts in Britain. This latest development has left many wondering about the company’s true intentions and the security of their positions.
In response to queries, a Dyson spokesperson offered a measured statement: “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.” However, the company declined to provide specific details about the number of employees affected or the reasons behind the redundancies.
The United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries (UWEEI), affiliated with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), expressed disappointment at the short notice given for the retrenchment exercise. The union has escalated the matter to the Ministry of Manpower and stands ready to support affected workers with job searches, career coaching, and training.
Dyson has had a significant presence in Singapore for over a decade, with the city-state serving as a hub for research, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain operations. The company had previously announced plans to invest S$1.5 billion in its Singapore operations over four years and committed to hiring more than 250 engineers and scientists.
The Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore has stated that it will work closely with Dyson and relevant government agencies to assist affected employees, including facilitating job placements with companies requiring their skillsets.
