Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
David Lloyd Purley keeps women-only spa sessions on Thursday evenings
David Lloyd Purley, a health club in Croydon, Greater London, has kept women-only spa sessions on Thursday evenings from 6pm to 8pm.
The sessions began in early October after some women said they felt uncomfortable around men, including for religious reasons.
Male members say they were not consulted and complain that the change limits their access to the spa during busy after-work hours.
They also say the club has not offered a fee reduction or an equivalent men-only session.
In a voluntary survey, 75 per cent of the first 82 respondents favoured restoring mixed access, though the survey does not establish the views of all members.
The club confirmed the sessions would continue, and no further change is stated.
David Lloyd Purley will continue women-only spa sessions on Thursday evenings.
The sessions run from 6pm to 8pm, during peak evening hours.
The policy began at the start of October, according to members quoted by the Daily Mail.
Some members say they were not consulted and were given little notice.
Members who oppose the policy say it restricts men’s access and no equivalent men-only session has been proposed.
- Who
- David Lloyd Purley and its members.
- What
- The club is continuing women-only spa sessions on Thursday evenings.
- When
- The sessions run from 6pm to 8pm. Members said they began at the start of October.
- Where
- David Lloyd Purley in Croydon, Greater London.
- Why
- Members said staff explained that some female members felt uncomfortable around men for religious reasons.
Members opposing the sessions
David Lloyd Purley
Access
Members opposing the sessions
They say the sessions restrict men’s access to the spa and amount to discrimination.
David Lloyd Purley
The club confirmed by email that the women-only sessions would continue.
Reason for the policy
Members opposing the sessions
They object to restricting all men’s access because some women feel uncomfortable.
David Lloyd Purley
Members said staff cited discomfort among some female members, including for religious reasons.
Alternatives
Members opposing the sessions
They say no equivalent men-only session has been proposed.
David Lloyd Purley
Not stated.
Women-only spa sessions began at David Lloyd Purley, according to members.
The branch confirmed by email that the women-only sessions would continue.
- Session times
- Thursdays, 6pm to 8pm
- Location
- David Lloyd Purley, Croydon, Greater London
- Start
- Beginning of October
- Survey result
- 75 per cent of the first 82 respondents favoured restoring mixed access to the spa
- Surveyed women
- 10 of 16 favoured reinstating mixed-gender Thursday sessions
What people are saying
There has hardly been any communication at all.
They've not consulted at all with the members and the manager said that some members were not using the spa anymore because of men.
I think the women's hours are borderline discrimination.
I think it's a medieval policy.