Job search
Job Search
Latest news
More news: (showing 1 - 20 of 13727)           
UK only International

ukactive keeps the heat on government over group exercise ban, as more regions enter Tier 3

By Tom Walker    15 Dec 2020
ukactive wants the ban on group exercise to be reviewed and changed / Shutterstock.com/Lucky Business

Industry body ukactive has intensified its challenge to overturn the government's decision to ban group exercise in tier 3 areas in England after more regions, including London, entered the highest level of restrictions.

Ukactive CEO Huw Edwards said the physical activity industry understood the difficult decisions faced by the government as COVID-19 rates increase – but is questioning the rationale for the ban on indoor group exercise.

"We want the ban on group exercise to be reviewed and changed," Edwards said.

“Indoor group exercise classes do not compromise any element of the government’s safety guidelines, by operating at reduced capacity, with adapted booking and queuing systems to maintain social distancing, and using stringent ventilation and sanitisation processes.

“These measures help explain the latest evidence from more than 2,000 gyms and leisure facilities which shows an extremely low prevalence of COVID-19.

“Today’s announcement means that many people in London, and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire, will lose access to the indoor group exercise classes which help to keep them physically and mentally strong.

“We know that women in particular rely on indoor group classes to stay active, and we urge the government to review this restriction because it will have a considerable impact on activity levels in the winter.

“Last week, we made submissions to the Government outlining the threat to thousands of businesses in London and other areas in Tier 3, which provide group exercise services to a diverse range of communities.

“In London alone there are about 280 boutique studios, employing more than 4,000 people, which will not be able to trade under the current Tier 3 restrictions.

"These businesses will require urgent support to survive this period, in addition to the extension of furlough support and to the moratorium of forfeiture.

“January is a vital time for our sector, and we urge the Government to provide tailored financial and regulatory support for its recovery, including a combination of business rate relief, VAT exemptions, and incentives that not only help to rebuild, but also encourage more people back into physical activity.”

ukactive  Tier 3  Huw Edwards  COVID-19  group exercise  fitness 
Sign up for FREE ezines
Related news

Company profile

Company profile: We Work Well Inc
We Work Well is a global premier hosted buyer event company, connecting high-level executives from leading suppliers with pre-selected highly qualified buyers in the wellness and hospitality industries, through scheduled one-on-one meetings, networking activities, community, and purpose.
View full profile >
More company profiles

Featured Supplier

Sprung Gym-Flooring: leading fitness flooring provider paves the way for top performance
Introducing Sprung Gym-Flooring, where innovation meets excellence in the world of flooring and sports solutions.
View full details >
More featured suppliers

Property & Tenders

Location: Loughton, IG10
Company: Knight Frank
Location: Grantham, Leicestershire
Company: Belvoir Castle
Location: Verwood, Dorset
Company: AVISON YOUNG
Location: Hall Place House, Bexley, DA5 1PQ
Company: London Borough of Bexley
Location: 15 Concessions across the nation's forests
Company: Forestry England
More properties & tenders

Diary dates

11-14 Apr 2024
Exhibition Centre , Cologne, Germany
22-24 Apr 2024
Galgorm Resort, York
10-12 May 2024
China Import & Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China
23-24 May 2024
Large Hall of the Chamber of Commerce (Erbprinzenpalais), Wiesbaden, Germany
More diary dates