Dyson’s billionaire owner, Sir James Dyson, has consistently opposed working from home and the company has stuck to that line despite the rise of the Omicron coronavirus variant, provoking concern among some employees.
An internal message sent to UK staff last week said all Dyson offices should stay open 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.
Dyson said in the message to staff that “we fundamentally disagree” with Johnson on that issue. At the same time, the company canceled its own Christmas party in favour of a summer family event and recommend ed workers to avoid parties and events where masks are not worn “to keep safe and protect your friends and family over Christmas”.
This story is from the December 14, 2021 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the December 14, 2021 edition of The Guardian.
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