The High Court has ruled that claims of forced labour, modern slavery and exploitation brought against Dyson will proceed to a full trial in April 2027.
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.
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.
Mr Justice Pepperall emphasised the importance of ensuring that the claimants, described as impoverished and vulnerable migrant workers, are able to participate on an equal footing with Dyson, a well-resourced multinational group. He highlighted the seriousness of the alleged human rights violations and urged both sides to progress the case with cooperation and realism.
The judge also noted the delay caused by Dyson’s unsuccessful attempt to have the case heard in Malaysia rather than England and stressed the need for the litigation to move forward without further disruption.
During the hearing, the court was told that Leigh Day has been contacted by hundreds of other migrant workers with potentially similar claims against Dyson. Up to 100 additional cases could be ready to file this year, although the judge said any further claims should not interfere with the timetable for the existing trial.
Over the coming months, expert and factual evidence will be gathered and further disclosure will take place, including internal Dyson documents relating to its knowledge of labour conditions within its supply chain.
Oliver Holland, international partner at Leigh Day and lead lawyer for the claimants, said the ruling significantly strengthened his clients’ position and reinforced access to justice in England and Wales.
“The High Court has recognised the need for equality of arms in a case of this nature,” he said. “This judgment helps ensure our clients, who are among the world’s poorest workers, can participate fairly in proceedings against a global corporation. We are committed to progressing the case efficiently and achieving justice as swiftly as possible.”
The case will be closely watched by businesses, legal practitioners and ESG specialists as scrutiny of supply chain practices and corporate accountability continues to intensify.
