The initiative will give all managers the opportunity to speak to members of the HR team to discuss any issues that they are experiencing, both in and out of work, that may be impacting their wellbeing. All HR staff taking part are also trained mental health first aiders.

“The impact of COVID-19 is being felt across the leisure industry and we recognise the affects that lockdown and the subsequent re-opening may have had on staff at all levels in the business,” said Sue McGrath, HR Director for Parkwood Leisure.

As part of its commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of its customers and staff, Parkwood Leisure has invested in a state-of-the-art antimicrobial treatment to be used in conjunction with its facilities’ sanitising programmes.

The product, which has been used by the NHS and London Underground, is sprayed over contact surfaces and works by Lysis, which is the disintegration of a cell by rupture of the cell wall or membrane. This creates an antimicrobial ‘spike’, which pierces any virus or bacteria that lands, consequently rupturing and killing the cell and spread of the virus.

The agreement, which was awarded following a competitive tender process, will see equipment from the supplier’s brand portfolio including Life Fitness, Hammer Strength and Cybex, installed across new and existing gyms. With over 100 sites managed on behalf of local authorities across England and Wales, Parkwood Leisure operates more than 70 health and fitness facilities under its ‘Leisure Centre’ brand.

The new partnership will see Life Fitness enhance Parkwood Leisure’s digital offering, including giving members access to on-demand at-home workout videos, delivered through Life Fitness’ Digital Coach platform.