Dyson ends libel action against Channel 4
Dyson has abandoned its libel case against Channel 4 News after a 2022 investigation into the treatment of migrant workers by a contractor.
The household technology company sued Channel 4 and the makers of the programme, ITN, after the programme reported on appalling conditions in factories in Malaysia where Dyson products were being manufactured.
But after over two years of court proceedings, and after the programme makers submitted its 184-page defence to the High Court, the libel action has been dropped.
Sir James Dyson’s individual claim over the report was struck out back in 2022, after the High Court ruled the allegations of exploitation of workers at a factory that used to supply goods to his firm did not defame him.
In a joint statement, Channel 4 and ITN said: “Today’s outcome underscores the vital role of robust, independent investigative reporting that is clearly in the public interest and sets an important precedent for the future of investigative journalism in the UK.”
In February 2022, Channel 4 News’ investigations team revealed how a group of migrant workers, recruited by Dyson’s contractor ATA IMS from countries including Nepal and Bangladesh to make appliances for Dyson, were taking legal action alleging exploitative working and living conditions.
It reported how concerns about forced labour conditions at ATA had been flagged to Dyson as far back as 2019; concerns Dyson categorically denied until September 2021 when an extensive audit revealed serious abuses at the factory. ATA also denied the allegations.
Dyson, in a statement given to Channel 4 News, said: “We strenuously deny the false claims made by Channel 4 News in its broadcast. It is ATA – an independent manufacturer – that must answer questions about its treatment of its workers in Malaysia. Dyson will never condone the mistreatment of workers anywhere in the world and defends its reputation when it is necessary.”
Separately, Dhan Khumar Limbu and 22 other former migrant workers continue to fight for compensation from Dyson, which denies any liability.
