OFT demands better cancellation rights of gym contracts

Health and fitness club operators LA Fitness and Dave Whelan Sports (DWS) and gym management company Harlands Group have agreed to give consumers better cancellation rights and make their contract terms more transparent after an OFT investigation.

This follows an agreement earlier this year by Bannatyne Fitness, David Lloyd Leisure and Fitness First Clubs to change their contract terms.

The OFT is also writing to 20 other health and fitness operators, highlighting contract terms and commercial practices which may be considered unfair and advising them to review their contract terms.

The undertakings to the OFT from LA Fitness, DWS and Harlands Group include extended rights for members to cancel their contracts early should their circumstances change; a commitment not to describe membership as being of a fixed duration if the contract automatically continues on a rolling basis; and greater transparency about key membership features to be provided upfront.