Top MP raps ‘ dubious’ Gym Group practices

Low-cost fitness chain The Gym Group has been rapped by MP Frank Field for “egre - gious” and “dubious” working practices in relation to its contracts with personal trainers.

Field, who chairs the House of Commons work and pensions committee, yesterday demanded an explanation from the Gym Group’s chief executive John Treharne after a whistleblower highlighted the terms of the company’ s policy when signing up so- called“freelance independent personal trainers ”. Under the contract they must sign as “self employed” workers, personal trainers must give notice of holidays, wear a uniform at all times, work to specific shift patterns, are restricted with regard to setting prices and must give notice of the termination of the agreement.

Field said that these restrictions are “incompatible” with self-employment and that such practices are typically used to“put workers off claiming employment rights and protections they may be due”.