William Eichler 23 December 2021

Omission of gyms from Omicron relief criticised as ‘shameful’

Omission of gyms from Omicron relief criticised as ‘shameful’ image

The industry association representing gyms and sports centres has criticised the Government for omitting their members from the latest COVID support measures.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced on Tuesday £1bn in support for businesses most impacted by Omicron, which included a £102m top up for the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG).

In response, the CEO of ukactive Huw Edwards said that gyms, pools, and leisure centres were left out of the support, a decision he described as ‘shameful’.

‘It will lead to businesses that support the health and wellbeing of communities going to the wall,’ he said.

‘It is ignorant of all the evidence provided to the Government on the damaging impact of the existing Plan B measures to these facilities.

‘We will work alongside our members and partners to reverse this omission and ensure our members are fully supported and protected, alongside additional support required, such as VAT relief in line with other sectors, furlough support, and extensions to business rates relief and the National Leisure Recovery Fund.’

A HM Treasury spokesperson said that gyms and sports centres would be supported by local authorities through the ARG.

‘We understand gyms and sports centres may be impacted by Omicron, which is why we announced £100 million in additional grants funding yesterday for councils to distribute to businesses most in need in their areas,’ they said.

‘This takes the total amount of available unspent grants funding to £350m, and comes on top of 75% business rates relief over the year, the recovery loan scheme, Time to Pay and the reintroduced Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highways Engineer

Rutland County Council
£36,124 to £37,938 per annum
An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and passionate Highways Engineer Rutland
Recuriter: Rutland County Council

Traffic Engineering Officer

Rutland County Council
£36,124 to £37,938 per annum
An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and passionate Traffic Engineering Officer Rutland
Recuriter: Rutland County Council

Senior Social Worker - Locality East

Wakefield Council
£41,511 to £44,711 Grade 10
Are you a passionate and experienced social worker ready to take the next step in your career? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,395.00 to £12,591.50 Pro rata Grade 4
Do you want to make a difference to someone’s life, giving them choice, control, dignity and respect? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Director of Environment and Regulatory Services

City of York Council
City of York Council
Recuriter: City of York Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.