Dyson tells many of UK staff to work in office even after plan B guidance change

The vacuum cleaner maker Dyson has told many of its UK employees to continue working in the office, claiming that large portions of its business are impossible to carry out from home.

All Dyson offices should remain open, according to an internal message sent to all UK staff last week after the prime minister announced the new plan B guidance advising work from home.

In contrast to lockdowns earlier in the pandemic, the guidance does not legally oblige companies to allow staff to work from home, but Boris Johnson said last Wednesday that people should work from home where possible as a precaution against Omicron, although he also said people should continue to attend work Christmas parties.

A wave of large office employers have told workers to remain at home, although some will keep offices open for business-critical functions or exceptional reasons such as for workers with mental health issues. The magazine publisher Future on Friday reversed its demand for staff to come into the office after its stance was revealed by the Guardian.

While Dyson makes most of its products overseas and controversially moved its headquarters to Singapore in early 2019, it does most of its research, development and design of products including vacuums, fans and dryers in the UK. It is understood that James Dyson has continued to work from the main UK campus in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, in recent weeks.

The spokesperson added that Dyson has donated £1m to Race Against Dementia in lieu of spending on its Christmas party.