News / Dyson
Future of Dyson’s £100m new Bristol office remains uncertain amid redundancies
As part of its global streamlining strategy, Dyson has decided to make a slew of redundancies which will leave nearly 100 jobs at risk at its current site in Bristol.
Furthermore, it has cast doubts over the future of the proposed £100m ‘state of the art’ tech hub in Finzels Reach that is set to employ hundreds of additional AI and software engineers.
The renowned engineering firm is set to cut nearly one third of its UK workforce, affecting approximately 1000 jobs.
According to the bosses of the firm, the move is part of a global restructuring effort driven by competition in the international markets.
The company, founded by inventor James Dyson in 1991, is best known for its bagless vacuum cleaner innovation and has regularly been hailed as one of the leading lights of the British tech industry.
However, in 2019, the tech giant relocated its headquarters to Singapore much to the astonishment of the business and tech community.
Bristol’s cross-harbour ferry, the Mary Brunel, is a Rotork Sea Truck co-designed by James Dyson when he was a 23-year-old student at the Royal College of Art – photo: Barbara Evripidou
Dyson chief executive Hanno Kirner emphasised the need for “agility and entrepreneurship” in the increasingly competitive global landscape.
“While these decisions are painful for affected colleagues, Dyson aims to support those at risk of redundancy during this uncertain time,” said Kirner.
The job cuts represent about a quarter of Dyson’s UK workforce and are part of a broader effort to streamline its global footprint of roughly 15,000 employees.
WECA metro mayor Dan Norris has asked for a “cast iron guarantee” that the proposed £100m research facility in Finzels Reach will be built as planned.
Norris said: “Clearly this is a very disappointing and worrying situation for everyone concerned, not least the brilliant 100 tech workers who find themselves at risk of losing their jobs in spite of the fundamental strengths of the Bristol office.
“I hope a solution can be found to keep as many jobs safe as possible in the West of England region, and I have asked for a cast-iron guarantee that the £100 million research and development centre will go ahead as planned.”
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A Dyson statement said: “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.
“As such, we are proposing changes to our organisation, which may result in redundancies.
“Dyson operates in increasingly fierce and competitive global markets, in which the pace of innovation and change is only accelerating. We know we always need to be entrepreneurial and agile – principles that are not new to Dyson.
“Decisions which impact close and talented colleagues are always incredibly painful. Those whose roles are at risk of redundancy as a result of the proposals will be supported through the process.”
Dyson has been approached for comment about the future of their current Bristol office on Cathedral Square and their proposed site in Finzels Reach.
Main image: Dyson
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