Home 30 October gym notice
30 October gym notice for gyms and fitness studios
From 30 October 2026, employers can be liable for harassment of their staff by customers and other third parties unless they took all reasonable steps to prevent it. For a gym or fitness studio, that includes members and visitors.
What the 30 October change means for a gym
The duty asks you to take reasonable steps. A notice for members at reception and by the changing rooms is one you can point to, alongside a short briefing for instructors and front-desk staff.
If a tribunal upholds a sexual harassment claim and finds the duty was breached, it can increase compensation by up to 25%. The Equality and Human Rights Commission can take enforcement action against employers who do not take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.
An example
A member keeps commenting on a personal trainer's body during sessions and messages her late at night. The trainer tells the manager. The manager speaks to the member and reminds them of the membership terms. The member is offered sessions with another trainer, or none, and the trainer can refuse further bookings with them. It goes in the record sheet.
Free guidance or a ready pack
The Acas and EHRC guidance is free and worth reading. It explains what employers should do, but it leaves you to write the notice and the staff briefing yourself. The Bay Admin gym pack has them already written for £24, built from the EHRC technical guidance and Acas advice, with every source linked. Check the EHRC website for its latest guidance.
Print the notice, fill in your names and use it the same day. Law as at 13 October 2026. For employers in England and Wales only.
30-day refund: reply to your receipt within 30 days of purchase for a full refund, no questions asked. This is on top of your legal rights.
Get the Harassment Duty Pack for Gyms and Fitness Studios, £24
Need the full policy, risk assessment and action plan as well? The full Harassment Duty Kit is £79.
Questions
What changes for a gym on 30 October 2026?
From 30 October 2026, employers can be liable for harassment of their staff by customers and other third parties unless they took all reasonable steps to prevent it.
Does it cover harassment by members?
Yes. Members count as third parties, so the same rule applies to harassment of your staff by members.
What can happen if a sexual harassment claim is upheld?
If a tribunal upholds a sexual harassment claim and finds the duty was breached, it can increase compensation by up to 25%.
Who can take enforcement action?
The Equality and Human Rights Commission can take enforcement action against employers who do not take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.
What does taking all reasonable steps look like for a gym?
A notice for members and a short briefing for instructors help you show the steps you took. Keeping a record of what happens and what you did is another. For example, a member keeps commenting on a personal trainer's body during sessions and messages her late at night. The trainer tells the manager. The manager speaks to the member and reminds them of the membership terms. The member is offered sessions with another trainer, or none, and the trainer can refuse further bookings with them. It goes in the record sheet.
Is reporting sexual harassment protected?
Since 6 April 2026, reporting sexual harassment can count as a protected whistleblowing disclosure (Employment Rights Act 2025 s23).
What is in the pack?
Five print-ready PDFs (00 Read Me, 01 Customer Notice (A4), 02 Staff Briefing, 03 Record Sheet, 04 Worked Examples) and the same five documents as editable Word files, so you can add your own business name and details. The record sheet also comes as an Excel file with the same columns as the PDF.
How much is it, and can I get a refund?
£24, one payment, instant download. Bay Admin is not VAT registered. Gumroad may add VAT at checkout depending on your location. 30-day refund: reply to your receipt within 30 days of purchase for a full refund, no questions asked. This is on top of your legal rights.
Who is it for?
Gyms and fitness studios that employ staff in England and Wales. It is for employers in England and Wales only.
Questions about the pack? Email hello@bayadmin.co.uk.