Nuffield Health has told HCM that it takes its responsibilities towards its colleagues seriously and is committed to meeting all legal obligations after news of a tribunal has made national headlines.

A former PT at the Bridgend club, who was also an international-standard canoe polo player, Beth Littlewood, has been awarded £149,000 compensation at an employment tribunal. Nuffield Health has said it will appeal against the judgement.

Littlewood, who had worked for the company for eight years, took Nuffield Health to court for unfair dismissal, unlawful deduction from wages and working time regulations, representing herself in court. The court found in her favour.

She had multiple grievances including pay-related issues, bullying, rotas being changed without clear communication, no praise for PT sales and a lack of promotion opportunities.

Prior to her resignation, Nuffield Health had taken disciplinary action against Littlewood for a number of alleged breaches including submitting working hours under an incorrect pay level.

The matter came to a head when Littlewood – while on a final warning – was required to attend a meeting with a manager who was aware that she was in Germany representing Great Britain at the 2023 Canoe Polo European Championships. 

Littlewood had previously put in a holiday request for the event which was declined on account of her being on sick leave, however she claims that no efforts had been made to help her return to work.

She drove back from Germany overnight to attend the meeting –  a journey of 800 miles – only to find her manager was away on a training course.

Judge Samantha Moore said that most of the incidents were of a trivial nature and should never have escalated to such a degree and that this had been caused by poor communication.

A Nuffield Health spokesperson said: “Nuffield Health is committed to providing a fair and supportive working environment for all colleagues, underpinned by clear policies and procedures. 

“We take our responsibilities to all colleagues extremely seriously and are committed to meeting all legal obligations. This includes holiday pay, and we can confirm that we provide holiday pay for personal trainers in line with current UK legislation and guidance. 

“We continually review our policies and practices to ensure compliance and to support fair and consistent outcomes across our teams.  

“While we respect the tribunal process, we are disappointed with the decision in this case. As this remains a legal matter, and subject to appeal, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.”