David Lloyd sparks equality row by excluding men from spa sessions in gyms because some women feel uncomfortable for 'religious reasons'

David Lloyd Clubs has become embroiled in an equality row after it began excluding men from spa areas because some women said they felt uncomfortable. 

The exclusive gym group has introduced weekly women-only spa sessions in several of its branches due to what it described as 'significant feedback' from female members.

In correspondence to customers, David Lloyd said some women felt unable to use the shared spa facilities while men were present for a variety of reasons, including 'religious beliefs'. 

The move, however, has led to accusations that the gym group is breaching equality laws that prohibit discrimination. 

It has reportedly received a number of complaints from male customers who say it is unfair they have been banned from the spa areas for two hours a week, with no reduction in their membership costs. 

They have also raised concerns that an equivalent men-only session has not been offered. 

Meanwhile, those with couples' memberships, that can cost up to £500 a month, have said it would stop them going to the spa at the same time. 

Responding on social media, one person posted: 'I'd be outraged.

'If people are making others uncomfortable it is the responsibility of the club to ban those people, not to punish the whole demographic to which they belong.'

Another added: 'While I don't take issue with the idea of a women-only slot, having the time set in prime time is effectively saying men aren't allowed to use the spa after work.

'Personally as someone who uses the spa frequently I'd be pretty miffed over this.' 

One formal complaint seen by The Telegraph about a new session starting this week said: 'Banning male members during prime peak hours (Thursday 18:00-20:00) with absolutely no equivalent male-only provision is not balanced. 

'It is active discrimination. If you want to run exclusive sessions, they belong in off-peak hours, not by removing peak access for half your membership base.' 

Others, however, including a woman dressed in a 'burkini' – a full-body swimsuit for female modesty – have welcomed the reforms, saying they 'mean a lot for Muslim women'. 

Another added in a post on social media: 'I use the women's only slot because I have had multiple previous incidents with men, meaning I am not comfortable to be around men who are strangers when I am only in my swimwear.' 

A third said: 'It's likely there because women have asked for it. There can be personal or cultural reasons why.

'There likely isn't a men's only time because men haven't asked for one. 

'If you didn't feel comfortable for personal or cultural reasons, you could ask for one but if it's not required there's no need.'  

Women-only sessions have so far been rolled out in 15 of David Lloyd's 151 gyms across the country. 

David Lloyd defended its decision to introduce women-only sessions in correspondence with the complainants, saying they fully align with the principles of the Equality Act 2010. 

The group was founded in 1982 by the former tennis player and Davis Cup captain of the same name. It was sold in 1995 and is now owned by private equity firm TDR Capital. 

A spokesman said: 'At David Lloyd Clubs, we are committed to listening to our members to ensure we offer the best possible experience and to making our clubs welcoming for everyone.

'The decision to introduce a weekly, two-hour female-only spa session was made after listening to feedback from many of our members across our clubs, who expressed a need for a short period of relaxation in a space exclusively for them.

'The spa retreat remains fully accessible outside of these clearly signposted times.

'We will continue to listen carefully to feedback from all members and would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their views.'