How does Dyson uphold ethical standards across its supply chain?
Dyson is dedicated to upholding high standards of conduct throughout our operations and global supply chain. Dyson is committed to conducting business in a legal, compliant and ethical manner. We firmly reject modern slavery and child labour in all forms.
Dyson’s specialist Supply Chain Sustainability (SCS) team works in partnership with supply chain teams to set and monitor adherence to our requirements and expected standards through a combination of training, audits and assessments. The Dyson Group’s supply chain model allows for immediate action to be taken if it is discovered that standards are not being adhered to. Dyson’s preference is to continue working with suppliers to achieve continuous, long-term improvements. However, where this becomes unrealistic, Dyson is prepared to end its engagement with a supplier.
How does Dyson set those standards?
Dyson communicates its standards and expectations through its Ethical and Environmental Code of Conduct, which incorporates international labour standards, human rights principles and national laws. The Code of Conduct prohibits all forms of slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and child labour, and forms part of Dyson's contracts with suppliers. Dyson regularly reviews and updates its policies to ensure they remain aligned with legal requirements and internationally recognised standards.
Regular audits are carried out of Dyson’s own manufacturing operations and of suppliers including by external independent audit partners. As a member of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) and Sedex, Dyson accepts RBA and SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) audit results to assess RBA and Sedex member suppliers. These audits are conducted on a semi-announced or unannounced basis.
Suppliers failing two consecutive audits face sanctions and may only resume business with Dyson after passing a new audit and addressing all corrective actions. If performance does not improve or the supplier does not prioritise corrections to its operations, the Dyson Group reserves the right to end the relationship.
FAQs
How does Dyson identify and mitigate the risk of modern slavery and child labour in its supply chain?
Dyson does not tolerate modern slavery or child labour. Dyson recognises that identifying and mitigating the risks of modern slavery and child labour in global companies with complex supply chains requires ongoing commitment. Dyson therefore remains dedicated to tackling these issues through policies, risk assessments, internal and external audits and training, and input from independent external experts.
How does Dyson monitor labour standards in its supply chain?
Dyson's specialist SCS team works in partnership with our supply chain teams and external auditors to monitor supplier adherence to modern slavery and child labour prevention requirements in the supply chain. Risks are identified through a combination of risk assessments, audits and grievance mechanisms. Suppliers are also assessed through tools such as Sedex risk assessments and ongoing performance monitoring, including monthly Supplier Scorecards.
How can workers raise concerns about labour practices in Dyson's operations and supply chain?
Workers in Dyson’s operations have access to an independent and confidential whistleblowing helpline which offers the option to raise concerns anonymously. Dyson has oversight that reports are investigated by the suppliers and addressed with appropriate remedial actions.
Contract manufacturers and other third-party suppliers are required to maintain their own independent grievance mechanisms to ensure workers can raise concerns confidentially, anonymously and without fear of retaliation, as set out in the Code of Conduct.
Why did Dyson terminate its contract with ATA, a Malaysian supplier?
Dyson terminated its contract with ATA in November 2021 after the third-party manufacturer failed to respond swiftly enough to our requests for improvement after a series of audits. This is the ultimate sanction that any business has over a third-party supplier. A subsequent legal action was brought against Dyson in London on behalf of ATA employees, which included allegations against Dyson that were strongly disputed. Dyson denied liability, noting that the claimants were employed by a third-party supplier, at factories in Malaysia which were owned and operated by ATA Industrial (M) Sdn Bhd and its related entities.
